Nitin Gadkari Unveils Major Road Infrastructure Initiatives for Northeast India

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled a series of ambitious road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 90,000 crore aimed at enhancing connectivity in Northeast India. Key initiatives include high-speed corridors linking major cities and vital border connectivity projects. Gadkari emphasized the importance of these developments for economic growth and regional accessibility, promising significant reductions in travel times. With multiple projects in the pipeline, including the Shillong-Silchar corridor and the Jorabat-Barapani corridor, the government aims to transform the region's infrastructure landscape, fostering tourism and job creation while improving access to remote areas.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 15, 2026, 18:23 IST

Significant Infrastructure Developments Announced

Union Minister Gadkari addresses NEIINFRA 2026 in Shillong, on Monday. (Photo:@SangmaConrad/X)

Shillong, June 15: On Monday, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced an extensive array of road infrastructure projects exceeding Rs 90,000 crore for the Northeast region. This includes the development of high-speed corridors that will connect Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, along with vital border connectivity projects in Meghalaya.

During his address at the North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (NEIINFRA) 2026, held at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture in Shillong, Gadkari emphasized that these initiatives are designed to boost economic growth, enhance regional connectivity, and improve access to border areas.

One of the key projects is a 136-km corridor linking Dalu, Waghmara, and Darugiri, with an estimated cost of around Rs 4,000 crore. This initiative aims to improve connectivity in the West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills regions along the India-Bangladesh border.

Gadkari mentioned that construction would commence once all necessary approvals are obtained. He stated, "This project will enhance access to remote villages near the Indo-Bangladesh border and significantly shorten travel times," noting that the journey from Dalu to Waghmara and from Waghmara to Darugiri would be reduced from four hours to approximately two hours.

Additionally, he highlighted the proposed four-lane greenfield Shillong-Silchar corridor, which will connect Mawlyngkhung near Shillong to Panchgram in Assam's Cachar district. This project, estimated to cost Rs 23,000 crore, is expected to begin once land acquisition issues are resolved.

Another significant initiative is the proposed four-lane greenfield corridor from Jorabat to Barapani, with an estimated budget of Rs 8,500 crore. Gadkari indicated that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this project is nearing completion.

He assured attendees, "By my next visit to Shillong, I promise that everyone will be able to reach Guwahati within one hour." Gadkari also revealed that DPRs for a comprehensive high-speed connectivity network linking Siliguri, Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar are in the final stages, with an estimated cost of nearly Rs 50,000 crore.

Stressing the importance of infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, Gadkari noted that alleviating poverty, promoting industrialization, boosting tourism, and creating jobs are key government priorities. He remarked, "When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, infrastructure development and the advancement of the Northeast were among his top priorities," adding that the previous sense of neglect in the region is gradually being replaced by confidence and optimism.

Gadkari also provided updates on the 38-km Shillong Western Bypass project, which connects Tarungsa and Dambuk, stating that it is currently 56% complete. This project is anticipated to alleviate traffic congestion in Shillong and enhance connectivity to Dawki, Sohra, Nongstoin, and surrounding districts.

Furthermore, he mentioned that projects like the Pynursla Bypass, Jowai Bypass, Tura Bypass, Shillong-Dawki corridor, and road networks across West Garo Hills will not only promote tourism and border trade but also create job opportunities, improve healthcare access, and strengthen connectivity to remote areas and international border points.