Jyotiraditya Scindia lays foundation stone for Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit under PM-DevINE
Jyotiraditya Scindia lays foundation stone for Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit under PM-DevINE
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, 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 Chief Minister of Meghalaya 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, where every breeze carries the fragrance of dignity, faith, and the freedom of progress,” and reaffirmed the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to advancing responsible, inclusive, and heritage-based tourism across the North Eastern Region.
MEGHALAYA’S RENAISSANCE UNDER THE MODI ERA
The Minister noted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the last decade has marked a period of transformation for the Northeast, turning it from a “landlocked” region into a “land-linked powerhouse.”
He underlined that over ₹6.2 lakh crore has been channelled into the region through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy, fostering connectivity, enterprise, and empowerment across sectors. Meghalaya, he said, has been one of the foremost beneficiaries of this renewed focus, achieving 12–16% growth in the post-COVID years through targeted investments in infrastructure, air connectivity, and tourism.
Shri Scindia highlighted landmark projects such as the 166.8 km Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway (₹22,864 crore) and the expansion of Umroi Airport to accommodate larger aircraft, enabling a sharp rise in annual flight operations. The New Shillong City project, he added, will emerge as a “smart-green township” and a knowledge hub for the Northeast.
INTEGRATED SOHRA CIRCUIT: MODEL FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
The Integrated Sohra Circuit, conceptualised jointly by the Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Meghalaya, represents one of the most ambitious tourism initiatives in the Northeast. With total investments exceeding ₹650 crore, including ₹221 crore under MDoNER, the project aims to transform Sohra into a multi-day experiential tourism destination rooted in sustainability and local livelihoods.
The Sohra Experience Centre at Kutmadan, being developed at an investment of ₹115 crore, will serve as the cultural nucleus of the circuit, showcasing Meghalaya’s diverse 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 such as hot-air balloon rides. Collectively, these projects are expected to increase tourist spending sixfold, while generating over 4,600 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTIVITY BOOST
Alongside the tourism circuit, several critical infrastructure projects were inaugurated to enhance regional mobility and trade. These include:
Shri Scindia also highlighted that the Umroi Airport runway extension and the new Shillong Western Bypass will soon reduce travel time between Guwahati and Sohra to about four hours, bringing the region closer to major tourism and trade hubs.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH TOURISM AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
The Minister emphasised that the Sohra Circuit will ensure that “the first smile a tourist sees in Meghalaya becomes the first income earned by a local family.”
Skill development programmes in collaboration with the Meghalaya Skills Development Society and IHM Shillong are already underway to train local youth in hospitality, safety management, and eco-tourism practices.
He reiterated that the Ministry of DoNER is committed to creating inclusive growth pathways that preserve the state’s natural and cultural wealth while ensuring sustained livelihoods for its people.
MEGHALAYA: FROM HERITAGE TO HOPE
Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia stated, “Meghalaya stands today at the confluence of heritage and hope. These projects are not just about building infrastructure; they are about building futures.”
He expressed confidence that the synergy between the Centre and the State, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will make Meghalaya a connected, confident, and competitive State, leading the Northeast’s journey toward Viksit Bharat @2047.
Honoured and truly delighted to lay the foundation stone for the Integrated Development of the Sohra Tourism Circuit with Hon’ble CM Sh. @SangmaConrad Ji in the enchanting land of Sohra. This landmark project, very close to my heart, marks a defining moment as it sets out to… pic.twitter.com/emzL9ob7YS
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