In News:

The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) recently laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit in Meghalaya under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme.

About the Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit

• A joint initiative of the Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Meghalaya.
• Envisioned to transform Sohra (Cherrapunji) into a multi-day, experiential, sustainable tourism destination.
• Total investment: Over ?650 crore, including ?221 crore under DoNER.

Key Components

1. Sohra Experience Centre (Kutmadan)

• Investment: ?115 crore.
• Acts as the cultural nucleus showcasing:
  • Tribal heritage of Meghalaya
  • Amphitheatres
  • Rain experience parks
  • Art galleries
  • Craft and cultural pavilions

2. Supporting Tourism Infrastructure

• Nohkalikai Falls Precinct – ?26 crore
• Mawsmai Eco Park – ?29 crore
• Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint
• Shella Riverside Development
• Wahkaliar Canyon with adventure tourism (including proposed hot-air balloon experiences)

Associated Infrastructure Projects Launched

1. Pynursla–Latangriwan–Mawlynnong Road (?29.97 crore)

• Provides all-weather connectivity to Mawlynnong, known as Asia’s cleanest village.
• Enhances cross-border tourism and local market access.

2. Mawshynrut–Hahim Road (?99.76 crore)

• Upgraded to intermediate lane standards.
• Improves agricultural mobility in Western Meghalaya.

3. Bridge over Umngot River (?21.86 crore)

• Links East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
• Facilitates trade and intra-district connectivity.

4. Broader Connectivity Boost

• 166.8 km Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway (?22,864 crore) under construction.
• Expansion of Umroi Airport enabling larger aircraft operations.
• New Shillong Western Bypass and improved Guwahati–Sohra access reducing travel time to ~4 hours.

Meghalaya’s Transformation Narrative

• Under the 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) policy, over ?6.2 lakh crore has been channelled to the Northeast in the last decade.
• Meghalaya has recorded 12–16% post-COVID growth driven by focused investments in connectivity and tourism.
• Projects like the Integrated Sohra Circuit are part of the broader push to make Meghalaya a “connected, confident, and competitive state.”

Community Empowerment Measures

• Skill development programs in partnership with the Meghalaya Skills Development Society and IHM Shillong.
• Training in hospitality, eco-tourism, adventure safety, and cultural curation.
• Objective: ensure local families directly benefit from tourism inflows.

PM-DevINE Scheme:

• Launched: 2022
• Scheme Type: Central Sector scheme (100% central funding)
• Duration: FY 2022–23 to 2025–26
• Outlay: ?6,600 crore

Objectives

1. Infrastructure development in line with PM GatiShakti principles.
2. Support social development projects in the North East.
3. Promote livelihood generation for youth and women.