Shillong, Nov 1 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced on Saturday that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the past decade has seen significant changes for the Northeast, evolving it from a “landlocked” area into a “land-linked powerhouse.”

Scindia emphasized that more than Rs 6.2 lakh crore has been allocated to the region via the 10 percent gross budgetary support policy, enhancing connectivity, enterprise, and empowerment across various sectors.

On Saturday, Scindia laid the groundwork for the Integrated Sohra Circuit Development under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme and initiated several DoNER projects valued at over Rs 300 crore in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.

The DoNER Minister pointed out that Meghalaya has been among the top beneficiaries of this renewed focus, experiencing a 12–16 percent growth in the years following COVID due to strategic investments in infrastructure, air connectivity, and tourism.

Scindia highlighted key projects such as the 166.8 km Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway (worth Rs 22,864 crore) and the expansion of Umroi Airport to accommodate larger aircraft, significantly increasing annual flight operations.

He mentioned that the New Shillong City project aims to develop a “smart-green township” and a knowledge hub for the Northeast.

On this occasion, Scindia described Meghalaya as “a heaven on earth, the abode of clouds and cascading waterfalls, where every breeze carries the fragrance of dignity, faith, and the freedom of progress.” He reaffirmed the Indian government's steadfast dedication to promoting responsible, inclusive, and heritage-based tourism throughout the Northeast.

The Integrated Sohra Circuit, devised in collaboration with the Meghalaya government, represents one of the most ambitious tourism projects in the Northeast.

With total investments surpassing Rs 650 crore, including Rs 221 crore from the Ministry of DoNER, the initiative seeks to transform Sohra into a multi-day experiential tourism hotspot focused on sustainability and local livelihoods.

The Sohra Experience Centre at Kutmadan, being developed with an investment of Rs 115 crore, will serve as the cultural heart of the circuit, highlighting Meghalaya’s rich tribal heritage through amphitheatres, rain experience parks, art galleries, and craft pavilions.

Additional projects include the Nohkalikai Falls precinct (Rs 26 crore), Mawsmai Eco Park (Rs 29 crore), Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, Shella Riverside Development, and Wahkaliar Canyon, featuring adventure tourism activities like hot-air balloon rides.

Together, these initiatives are expected to increase tourist spending sixfold and create over 4,600 direct and indirect jobs.

In addition to the tourism circuit, several crucial infrastructure projects were launched to improve regional mobility and trade. These include the Pynursla–Latangriwan–Mawlynnong Road (Rs 29.97 crore), ensuring all-weather access to Asia’s cleanest village, and enhancing cross-border tourism and local trade. The Mawshynrut–Hahim (Athiabari) Road (Rs 99.76 crore) has been upgraded to intermediate lane standards, boosting agricultural connectivity in western Meghalaya, and a significant bridge over the Umngot River on the Jongksha–Wahiajer Road (Rs 21.86 crore) is being constructed to better connect East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills for improved transportation of people and goods.

Scindia also noted that the runway extension at Umroi Airport and the new Shillong Western Bypass will soon cut travel time between Guwahati and Sohra to about four hours, bringing the region closer to key tourism and trade centers.

The Minister stressed that the Sohra Circuit will ensure that “the first smile a tourist sees in Meghalaya becomes the first income earned by a local family.”

He reiterated that the Ministry of DoNER is committed to forging inclusive growth pathways that protect the state’s natural and cultural heritage while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for its residents.

Scindia concluded by stating, “Meghalaya stands today at the confluence of heritage and hope. These projects are not just about constructing infrastructure; they are about building futures.”

He expressed confidence that the collaboration between the Centre and the state, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, will position Meghalaya as a connected, confident, and competitive state, steering the Northeast towards Viksit Bharat @2047.