Scindia Launches ₹650 Cr Sohra Tourism Circuit in Meghalaya

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia laid the foundation stone of the Integrated Sohra Circuit Development Project under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme in Meghalaya.

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia laid the foundation stone of the Integrated Sohra Circuit Development Project under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme and launched donor projects worth ₹233 crore in Meghalaya.

The Integrated Sohra Circuit, developed by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and the Government of Meghalaya, aims to transform Sohra into a sustainable, multi-day tourism hub that promotes local livelihoods.

With a total investment of over ₹650 crore, including ₹221 crore under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, the project aims to transform Sohra into a multi-day experiential tourism destination based on sustainability and local livelihood.

Construction under Sohra Circuit

The Sohra Experience Centre being developed in Kutmadan with an investment of ₹115 crore will serve as the cultural hub of the circuit, showcasing Meghalaya’s diverse tribal heritage through an amphitheater, rain experience park, art galleries, and craft pavilions.

Supporting projects include the Nohkalikai Falls Complex (₹26 crore), Mawsmai Eco Park (₹29 crore), Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, Wahkaliar Valley with adventure tourism facilities such as Shella Riverside Development and hot-air balloon rides.

Collectively, these projects are expected to increase tourist spending sixfold, while creating more than 4,600 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Scindia highlighted historic projects such as the 166.8 km long Shillong-Silchar Greenfield Expressway (₹22,864 crore) and the expansion of Umroi Airport to accommodate larger aircraft, enabling a sharp increase in annual flight operations.

He said that the New Shillong City Project will emerge as a “smart-green township” and knowledge hub for the Northeast.

PM-DevINE Scheme:

It was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 as a Central Sector Scheme with 100% Central funding. The Cabinet approved the PM-DevINE Scheme on October 12, 2022.

It finances major infrastructure and social projects, supports livelihoods for youth and women, and bridges developmental gaps in line with the PM Gati Shakti vision.

By February 2025, a total of 36 projects worth ₹4,927 crore have been approved under the PM-DevINE Scheme.

Sohra

Sohra, also known as Cherrapunji, is a town located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India, famous for its heavy rainfall and living root bridges.

It was historically the traditional capital of the Khasi tribal state and was once considered “the wettest place on Earth,” but Mawsynram has surpassed it in rainfall records.

Missionary history: It was once the site of British Christian missionaries who developed the Khasi language script.

Sohra is famous for its unique “living root bridges,” grown from the roots of rubber trees.

It is home to several impressive waterfalls, including Nohkalikai Falls, Dain-Thlen Falls, and Kynrem Falls.

Caves: The Mawsmai Cave is another popular attraction, featuring illuminated stalagmites and stalactites.

The town also hosts a bustling market known as “Iew Sohra.”