Scindia lays foundation stone for ₹650 crore Integrated Sohra Circuit; launches DoNER projects worth ₹233 crore in Meghalaya

PNS Bureau:- Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia today laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Circuit Development under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme and launched multiple DoNER projects worth ₹233 crore in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma, senior state officials and tourism stakeholders.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Scindia described Meghalaya as “a heaven on earth — the abode of clouds and cascading waterfalls”, and reaffirmed the Central Government’s commitment to advancing responsible, inclusive and heritage-based tourism in the Northeast.

Highlighting the rapid transformation of the region under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, he said the past decade has turned the Northeast from a “landlocked” region into a land-linked powerhouse, with over ₹6.2 lakh crore channelled into its development through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy.

The Minister pointed out that Meghalaya has been among the biggest beneficiaries of this focus, registering 12–16% post-COVID growth, driven by investments in infrastructure, air connectivity, and tourism.

The Integrated Sohra Circuit, jointly conceptualised by the Ministry of DoNER and the Meghalaya Government, is one of the most ambitious tourism initiatives in the region, with total investments of over ₹650 crore, including ₹221 crore from DoNER. The project aims to transform Sohra (Cherrapunji) into a multi-day experiential tourism destination rooted in sustainability and local livelihoods.

At the heart of the project will be the Sohra Experience Centre at Kutmadan (₹115 crore), showcasing the state’s tribal heritage through amphitheatres, rain experience parks, art galleries, and craft pavilions.
Supporting projects include the Nohkalikai Falls precinct (₹26 crore), Mawsmai Eco Park (₹29 crore), Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, Shella Riverside Development, and Wahkaliar Canyon with adventure tourism features like hot-air balloon rides. These projects are expected to generate over 4,600 jobs and increase tourist spending sixfold.

Alongside, key infrastructure projects were launched to strengthen connectivity:

• Pynursla–Latangriwan–Mawlynnong Road (₹29.97 crore) — providing all-weather access to Asia’s cleanest village.
• Mawshynrut–Hahim Road (₹99.76 crore) — improving agricultural connectivity in western Meghalaya.
• Bridge over Umngot River (₹21.86 crore) — linking East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.

Shri Scindia added that with the Umroi Airport runway extension and Shillong Western Bypass, travel time between Guwahati and Sohra will be reduced to about four hours, further boosting trade and tourism.

He remarked, “The first smile a tourist sees in Meghalaya should become the first income earned by a local family.” Skill development initiatives with the Meghalaya Skills Development Society and IHM Shillong are already underway to train local youth in hospitality and eco-tourism.

Calling Meghalaya “a confluence of heritage and hope,” Shri Scindia said these projects are “not just about building infrastructure, but about building futures.” He expressed confidence that the synergy between the Centre and the State will make Meghalaya a connected, confident, and competitive state, leading the Northeast’s march towards Viksit Bharat @2047.(PNS)