Cabinet Approves Rs 16.7L Cr For Viksit Bharat Vision

During the recent Cabinet meeting, key decisions were made across multiple sectors, forming a crucial component of the "Viksit Bharat" vision.

- TIKAM SHARMA

These initiatives are set to bring transformative changes to both urban and rural areas.

The Government of India has unveiled substantial investments exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore across infrastructure and agricultural welfare, aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and improving the livelihoods of farmers nationwide.

A centrepiece of the announcements is the Shillong-Silchar 4-lane highway corridor, with an investment of Rs 22,864 crore. Spanning 166.8 km, this critical project aims to significantly strengthen connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam.

Constructed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode, the corridor will feature 19 major bridges, 153 minor bridges, 326 culverts, 22 underpasses, 26 overpasses, and 34 viaducts totaling 9 km—ensuring seamless and efficient transit across challenging terrain.

Silchar, a vital gateway to northeastern states such as Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur, along with Assam's Barak Valley, is expected to gain immensely through reduced travel time and improved trade logistics.

The Guwahati-Shillong-Silchar route, being the shortest and most direct, is likely to become the preferred corridor for movement of goods and people across the Northeast.

This corridor is part of National Highway-6 (NH-6), envisioned as a connectivity backbone for the region, unlocking economic opportunities and promoting regional integration.