The Meghalaya government has commenced the land acquisition process for the Rs 22,864-crore Shillong-Silchar high-speed corridor project, aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development in the region.

The 166.80-km greenfield four-lane highway will start from Umiam Lake near Shillong and end at Panchgram near Silchar in Assam, with 144.80 km of the stretch in Meghalaya and 22 km in Assam. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) will execute the project, which will pass through the Ri-Bhoi district.

Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal has issued a notification instructing villagers to halt any new construction or development activities within the designated project area without prior approval. The notice explicitly warns that unauthorized structures built after its issuance will not qualify for compensation during land acquisition or project implementation.

Seventeen villages, including Pyllun, Umeit, Umroi Labansaro, Nongrah, Nonglakhia, Wahmyntait, and Lumsohphoh, have been identified for land acquisition. The corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Shillong and Silchar, thereby accelerating trade, tourism, and economic integration across Meghalaya and Assam.