Synopsis: Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has launched 6 National Highway projects, worth ₹3,214 crore in Shillong on June 15, 2026, which comprises 4 new road developments and 2 completed highway upgrades across the state.
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, at Shillong, laid the foundation for 4 new National Highway projects and dedicated 2 upgraded highways to the nation. These projects spanning over 117 km in all, and with the ₹3,214 crore package are aimed to decongest the key towns, strengthen the cross-border trade with Bangladesh, and further improve access to remote parts of the state.
The 6 Highways: 4 Upcoming and 2 Existing Upgrades
1. Tura Bypass (NH-217)
The Tura Bypass will be developed over 29.03 km at the cost of ₹951 crore, connecting NH-127B near Sanchonggre village to NH-217, the earlier NH-51 at Jenggitchakgre village in West Garo Hills. This is built as a 2-lane road and it will help to divert the traffic away from Tura town, ease congestion of the town, and improve freight movement toward the international border at Dalu.
Nearby Tourist Places: Tura Peak, Pelga Falls, Chibragre, and Nokrek National Park
2. Pynursla Bypass (NH-206)
The Pynursla Bypass spans across 7.76 km at an estimated cost of ₹564 crore, and will help to decongest Pynursla town in East Khasi Hills. It is expected to improve travel efficiency toward Dawki and the Umngot River while strengthening connectivity to the India-Bangladesh border and further support tourism in the region.
Nearby Tourist Places: Umngot River (Dawki River), Riwai Living Root Bridge, Mawryngkhang Trek (Wahken), and Mawjngih Lapynshongdor View Point
3. Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge-Selsella Corridor (NH-127B, Package-I)
This corridor is roughly 31.5 km stretch which is estimated at ₹737 crore, will connect Selsella to Simbukolgre in West Garo Hills. Once this is complete, it will link up with the upcoming 4-lane Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge over the Brahmaputra, significantly improving Meghalaya’s road access to states Assam and beyond. Nearby Tourist Places: Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib (Dhubri), Gauripur Rajbari Main Palace (Matiabag Palace)
4. Selsella-Simbukolgre-Koiragre Road (Package-II)
Extending the same West Garo Hills corridor by another roughly 31.7 km, this ₹504 crore package will connect Selsella-Simbukolgre onward to Koiragre, supporting the freight movement, market access, and the regional economic activity in the Garo Hills. Nearby Tourist Places: Siju Caves, Wari Chora, Ranggol Waterfalls, Krang Suri Waterfall
5. Shillong-Dawki Road (Package-I)
The present upgrade to this, already completed over 10.67 km at a cost of ₹351 crore, strengthens the Shillong-Dawki corridor, which is a crucial route to the India-Bangladesh border through Tamabil. It is expected to decrease congestion in Upper Shillong and support trade and tourism to destinations such as Dawki and Cherrapunji (Sohra). Nearby Tourist Places: Umngot River (Dawki River), Pynursla, Bophill Falls, Mawlynnong Village, Dawki Suspension Bridge
6. Jowai Bypass
This bypass completed over 5.44 km at a cost of ₹106 crore on NH-40E and NH-44, has significantly reduced traffic bottlenecks in Jowai town, and has improved road safety and enhanced commuter convenience in the Jaintia Hills. Nearby Tourist Places: Tyrshi Falls, Krang Suri Falls, Phe Phe Falls, Ialong Park
Beyond the ₹3,214 crore package- The ₹39,800 crore covering 450 km across Meghalaya
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, in Shillong, while addressing the North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (NEIINFRA) 2026 announced the National Highway projects worth nearly ₹39,800 crore covering about 450 km across Meghalaya. The projects outlined under this is the 165 km, four-lane Shillong-Silchar Greenfield Corridor, estimated at ₹23,000 crore, and is expected to cut travel time between the 2 cities by nearly half and improve connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur. Another proposed project is the 66 km Jorabat-Barapani 4-Lane Greenfield Corridor, valued at ₹8,500 crore, intended to reduce travel time between Guwahati and Shillong from roughly 2.5 hours to about an hour. A third, the Darugiri-Baghmara-Dalu Corridor on NH-217, spans approximately 136 km at an estimated cost of ₹4,000 crore and is meant to strengthen connectivity in the Garo Hills and border areas adjoining Bangladesh. Nitin Gadkari noted that Meghalaya currently has highway projects worth around ₹52,400 crore at various stages, including roughly 820 km already completed and 310 km under construction.
Written by Jahnavi
