Shillong, Nov 1: In a major boost to Meghalaya’s tourism potentials, the foundation for Integrated Development of Sohra Tourism Circuit was laid by Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday.
The Rs 233-crore Sohra initiative includes development of Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Eco Park, Arwah and Mawsmai Cave precincts, Nohsngithiang Falls, Wah Kaba Falls, the Shella Riverside, and Wah Kaliar Canyon viewpoint.
Funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) under PM-DevINE scheme, the initiative aims at strengthening tourism infrastructure and enhancing the visitor experience in one of Meghalaya’s most iconic destinations.
The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) focuses on accelerating development and promoting sustainable livelihoods across the North East.
Addressing the occasion, Scindia said the initiative reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make the North East a key pillar of India’s growth story.
The DoNER Minister said the PM-DevINE scheme was launched to ensure that the pace of development reaches every corner of the country.
“PM-DevINE initiative was launched to ensure that no corner of our country is left behind. Today’s foundation laying in Sohra is not just about building infrastructure; it is about building futures,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s focus on the North East, Scindia 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 today.
He also informed that over Rs. 50,000 crore has been spent on rural road development and connectivity across the region.
Scindia said Sohra particularly and Meghalaya as a whole stand to benefit immensely from these investments, which include road and air connectivity projects, as well as the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway worth Rs 22,680 crore that will pass close to Sohra.
“Connectivity and tourism are the twin engines of development in the Northeast,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the projects being developed under PM-DevINE in Sohra will transform the region into a model for sustainable and community-led tourism in the entire North East.
“These world-class projects will give Sohra a new identity — not just as a tourist destination but as a benchmark for responsible tourism across the country,” he said.
He lauded Meghalaya’s community-based tourism model and its natural beauty, saying, “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.”
He emphasised that the Government of India’s commitment goes beyond tourism to also strengthening connectivity and infrastructure. “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,” he said.
Praising the Meghalaya Government under Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, he said, “The passion and dedication of the Chief Minister and his team are visible in every initiative taken in this state. Meghalaya is not waiting for the future — it is building it.”
Scindia said the Sohra Tourism Circuit will stand as a model for how development and environmental preservation can go hand in hand. “The beauty of Meghalaya is divine, and it is our responsibility to protect it. Tourism must empower, not exploit,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Union Minister reaffirmed the Centre’s continued support to Meghalaya and the Northeast. “This is the decade of the Northeast. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to transforming this region into a new engine of India’s growth,” he said.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, in his address, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for their vision and support towards the development of the Northeast and Meghalaya in particular.
He described the occasion as a historic and memorable moment for Sohra and for the people of the state.
He lauded the Union Minister for his exceptional commitment to the region, noting that “many ministers visit the Northeast, but what makes Mr 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.”
He highlighted that the Sohra Tourism Circuit represents a landmark project under the PM-DevINE initiative. “This project is happening only because of the blessings, kindness, and large heart of our Hon’ble Minister, Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia. It is not just about developing one destination — it’s about realizing a vision to build world-class, sustainable tourist destinations across the country,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Sohra project — 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,” he 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. “We are hopeful that all of this will come together to take Meghalaya’s tourism sector to new heights,” he said, assuring that the state government would ensure successful and timely implementation of the Sohra Tourism Circuit.
In his address, Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said, “Our mission is to make Sohra a destination where people stay longer, explore deeper, and engage with local communities.”
The event, held at Kutmadan, Sohra, marks a major step in advancing Meghalaya’s tourism sector and ensuring that development is both inclusive and sustainable.
Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai, Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem, Sohra MLA Gavin M Mylliem, and Chief Secretary Dr Shakil Ahammed, were also present on the occasion.
