Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans to construct expressways and high-speed corridors in the state to reduce travel time across the Northeast and enhance regional connectivity, trade, and tourism. The government aims to ensure that every region of Assam is reachable within a six-hour travel radius, significantly cutting down on the current 13 to 15-hour journey durations.
One of the key projects highlighted by CM Sarma is the Shillong-Silchar High-Speed Corridor, which is part of the larger Siliguri-Silchar Expressway vision. The estimated cost for developing the 166.8-km greenfield corridor is Rs 22,864 crore, designed as a four-lane access-controlled highway to facilitate faster, safer, and more efficient transportation in the region.
The corridor will enhance connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, serving as a vital transportation link for various northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur. This project is expected to significantly improve the movement of goods and passengers, reduce logistics costs, and provide quicker access to markets.
Assam’s high-speed road network initiative is part of a broader infrastructure development plan in collaboration with the Centre, aiming to create seamless transportation corridors to support economic growth, industrial development, and regional integration. Improved road connectivity is crucial for unlocking the economic potential of the Northeast, which often faces logistical challenges due to its terrain and long travel times.
