Transforming Barak Valley’s connectivity and economy.

The Prime Minister is set to lay the foundation stone of the Silchar–Guwahati Expressway during his visit to Barak Valley on 14 March 2026. The ambitious project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, is a major infrastructure push in the Northeast.

Project Overview

• Length: 166.8 kilometres (144.8 km in Meghalaya, 22 km in Assam).
• Cost: Approximately ₹22,864 crore.
• Type: Four-lane, access-controlled greenfield expressway (part of NH-06).
• Developer: National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
• Completion Target: 2030.
• Mode: Hybrid Annuity Model, where government and private players share financial risks.
• Economic / Social / Transport Nodes Connected: Airports: Guwahati Airport, Shillong Airport, Silchar Airport
• Major Cities / Towns Connected: Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, Kalain.

Connectivity and Alignment

• Connects Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) to Panchgram (near Silchar).
• It passes through Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya) and Cachar (Assam).
• Integrates with major highways such as National Highway-27 and National Highway-37.
• Reduces travel time between Guwahati and Silchar to around 4.5–5 hours.

Economic and Strategic Significance

• Boosts trade, logistics, cement and coal industries.
• Improves access to Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur.
• Reduces monsoon-related disruptions and landslide risks.
• Aligns with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Expected to generate employment and enhance tourism connectivity to Shillong and Barak Valley.

The project reflects the government’s emphasis on strengthening the Northeast as an economic and strategic corridor.

Exam Hook: 

With reference to the Silchar–Guwahati Expressway, consider the following statements:

1. It is a greenfield, access-controlled expressway under National Highway-06.
2. It is being implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Model.
3. It lies entirely within Assam.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-line wrap: The Silchar–Guwahati Expressway promises to redefine connectivity and economic integration across the Northeast by 2030.

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