Shillong, November 3 : In a landmark step towards transforming Meghalaya’s tourism landscape, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for DoNER and Communications, laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Development of the Sohra Tourism Circuit, a ₹233-crore mega project under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE).
The project, funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), aims to strengthen tourism infrastructure, create sustainable livelihoods, and enhance visitor experiences across Sohra — one of India’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations.
The initiative encompasses nine world-class tourism components, including:
- Sohra Experience Centre at Kutmadan – ₹114.94 crore
- Nohkalikai Falls Precinct – ₹38.98 crore
- Mawsmai Eco Park – ₹28.75 crore
- Shella and Riverside Development – ₹13.79 crore
- Seven Sisters Falls View Point – ₹11.06 crore
- Mawsmai Cave Precinct – ₹9.64 crore
- Arwah Cave Precinct – ₹5.36 crore
- Wah Kba Falls Development – ₹5.28 crore
- Wahkaliar Canyon View Point – ₹5.95 crore
During the foundation ceremony, Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed Meghalaya’s unmatched natural beauty and reaffirmed his commitment to the region. “If you really want to see heaven on earth, come to Meghalaya,” he said, adding, “I stand here as your brother — a bridge between Delhi and Sohra.”
The Minister lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming the North East from a “land-locked” to a “land-linked” region, citing a threefold increase in the Northeast’s budget from ₹36,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1,00,000 crore today.
He emphasized that the Sohra project will generate employment for around 5,000 youths and highlighted the upcoming Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway (₹22,680 crore) as a key infrastructure project that will directly benefit Sohra.
Extending a warm welcome to the Union Minister, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the Sohra project as the first of its kind under the PM-DevINE initiative, calling it a “model for sustainable and community-led tourism.” “This vision is fructifying, and the first project of that larger vision is happening for the first time in the entire country right here in Sohra,” he stated.
He also announced plans for a helicopter service connecting Shillong to Sohra, underscoring the State’s commitment to improving connectivity and accessibility.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira praised the government’s resolve to make Sohra a destination for immersive and extended tourism experiences. “Your visit reflects your resolve to transform Sohra into a world-class destination,” he told the Union Minister. He noted that nine DoNER-supported projects worth over ₹230 crore are reshaping the Sohra tourism circuit.
Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, emphasized Meghalaya’s success in responsible tourism, noting that over 16 lakh visitors have already explored the State. He called for diversification of destinations and strengthening Meghalaya’s image as one of the cleanest and most sustainable tourism hubs in India.
Sohra MLA Gavin Mylliemngap expressed optimism that the projects would not only promote Sohra globally but also boost the local economy and create new opportunities for residents.
With the foundation laid, the Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit marks a new era for Meghalaya. The initiative envisions the preservation of natural wonders, empowerment of local communities, and transformation of the Northeast into a shining example of sustainable growth.
“As these foundation projects are laid today,” the statement concluded, “a new chapter in Meghalaya’s development story begins — where natural wonders are preserved, local communities prosper, and India’s Northeast stands proud in all its glory.”
