SOHRA, Nov 1 : Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER,) Jyotiraditya Scindia today said the Integrated Development of Sohra Tourism Circuit project would give Sohra “a new identity – not just as a tourist destination but as a benchmark for responsible tourism across India.”
The Rs. 233 crore plus initiative – Integrated Development of Sohra Tourism Circuit – is
aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure and enhancing visitor experience in one of Meghalaya’s most iconic destinations.
The project is funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Government of India, under the PM-DevINE Scheme, which focuses on accelerating development and promoting sustainable livelihoods across the Northeast.
The initiative reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make the Northeast a key pillar of India’s growth story, Scindia said after laying the foundation for the Integrated Development of Sohra Tourism Circuit with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
He said the project wasn’t prepared haphazardly by officials, but with due diligence by a team at the tourism ministry and DoNER working painstakingly for the past nine months.
Stating that the union government’s commitment goes beyond tourism to also strengthening connectivity and infrastructure, the union Minister said, “We are strengthening the arteries of progress. When our roads are strong, when airports connect our people, and when tourism infrastructure is world-class – that is when development truly reaches every home.”
Lauding Meghalaya’s community-based tourism model and its natural beauty, Scindia said, “Nowhere else in the world do nature, culture, and community coexist in such harmony as they
do here in Meghalaya. This harmony is the foundation of its growth.”
Under the project, the tourism infrastructure would be strengthened while promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for the people and preserving Sohra’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
Under it sustainable developmental works would be undertaken for the Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Eco Park, Arwah and Mawsmai Cave precincts, Nohsngithiang Falls, Wah Kaba Falls, the Shella Riverside, and the Wah Kaliar Canyon viewpoint.
The project will enhance visitor facilities, promote eco-friendly tourism and create employment avenues for local communities, ensuring that the benefits of tourism growth are inclusive and sustainable.
He said the PM-DevINE scheme was launched to ensure that the pace of development reaches every corner of the country and some of these projects like the one in Sohra aren’t just about infrastructure development but transforming livelihoods opportunities of local communities.
“The PM-DevINE initiative was launched to ensure that no corner of our country is left behind… in Sohra is not just about building infrastructure, it’s about building futures,” Scindia said.
Highlighting the government’s focus on the Northeast, the union Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the budgetary support for the region has increased from Rs. 36,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs. 1,00,000 crore in 2025.
He also informed that over Rs. 50,000 crore has been spent on rural road development and connectivity across the region.
“Sohra and Meghalaya stand to benefit immensely from these investments, which include developing road and air connectivity, as well as the Shillong-Silchar Greenfield Expressway
worth Rs. 22,680 crore,” Scindia said, noting that “Connectivity and tourism are the twin engines of development in the Northeast.”
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and union Minister Scindia for their vision and support towards the development of the Northeast and Meghalaya in particular.
Describing the occasion as a historic and memorable moment for Sohra and for the people of the state, Sangma lauded the union Minister for his exceptional commitment to the region, noting that “many ministers visit the Northeast, but what makes Scindia’s visits different is the way he connects with the people, understands their problems, and works to find real solutions.”
He added, “It is that personal engagement and care which make all the difference we see today.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Sohra Tourism Circuit – the first of its kind in India under this vision – would serve as a model for the rest of the country.
“We are very lucky that this first project is being implemented here in Sohra, in Meghalaya,” he remarked.
He described the initiative as a game changer for Sohra and for the state’s tourism sector, saying it would transform infrastructure, boost local livelihoods, and elevate Meghalaya’s image as a sustainable tourism destination.
“The number of tourists visiting Meghalaya is increasing every year, but our focus now is on improving the overall experience – from infrastructure to connectivity – so that visitors stay longer and spend more time in our communities,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister also spoke about future plans to enhance tourism infrastructure, including the upcoming airport project and proposed helicopter services between Shillong, Sohra, and other key destinations to improve accessibility.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira spoke about the shared vision of developing Sohra into a world-class destination that blends nature, culture, and innovation.
“Our mission is to make Sohra a destination where people stay longer, explore deeper, and engage with local communities,” he said.
“These initiatives, along with growing private sector participation, are creating jobs, empowering youth, and strengthening the local economy,” he added.
(UNI)
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