Shillong-Silchar Highway
The Shillong-Silchar Highway project is set to transform connectivity in North-East India. This 166.8 km four-lane highway will connect Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam. It is the first high-speed corridor in the region and is expected to be completed by 2030. The project aims to reduce travel time and enhance economic activity.
Project Details
The Shillong-Silchar Highway is a critical infrastructure initiative by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). It is part of India’s broader Act East Policy, aiming to enhance trade and connectivity with South-East Asia. The project will facilitate the movement of goods and people across the North-East, which is currently reliant on the Siliguri Corridor.
Significance
Silchar serves as a gateway to Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur. The new highway will provide an alternative route, reducing dependency on Bangladesh for access to the North-East. The Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar complements this initiative by connecting Kolkata to Sittwe port in Rakhine state, further enhancing trade routes.
Engineering Challenges
The construction of the highway involves navigating difficult hilly terrain. Engineers face challenges such as landslides and unstable slopes. To address these issues, modern technology and engineering techniques will be employed. Slope stabilisation will be a key focus, utilising advanced monitoring instruments.
Technological Innovations
Innovative technologies like Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) will assist in topographical surveys. Various protective measures will be implemented, including rock anchors and high-strength wire mesh panels. Monitoring equipment such as piezometers and inclinometers will ensure the stability of the slopes during and after construction.
Project Financing and Structure
The Shillong-Silchar project is being financed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), a form of Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The estimated cost is Rs 22,864 crore. The project includes infrastructure components, such as 19 major bridges, 153 minor bridges, and numerous culverts and underpasses.
Expected Outcomes
Once operational, the highway will reduce travel time from 8.5 hours to 5 hours. It is anticipated that this improvement will spur economic growth in the North-East. Enhanced connectivity will facilitate trade and tourism, positioning the region as a vital hub for India’s economic integration with South-East Asia.
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