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The mist and waterfalls of Sohra, better known as Cherrapunji, are set to welcome a new chapter in Meghalaya’s tourism story. Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on November 1, laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit under the PM-DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region) scheme. He also launched multiple projects worth ₹233 crore under the Ministry of DoNER in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, senior officials and tourism stakeholders.
Scindia described Meghalaya as “a heaven on earth, the abode of clouds and cascading waterfalls,” and called the Sohra Circuit “a meticulously crafted initiative to position Sohra on the world tourism map as a model of sustainable and experiential tourism.” He said the project would accelerate Meghalaya’s transformation into a connected, confident and competitive state.
The Integrated Sohra Circuit, jointly developed by the Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Meghalaya, represents one of the most ambitious tourism projects in India’s Northeast. With total investments of over ₹650 crore, including ₹221 crore from DoNER, the initiative aims to turn Sohra into a multi-day experiential destination rooted in sustainability and local livelihoods.
At the centre of the project will be the Sohra Experience Centre at Kutmadan, developed at a cost of ₹115 crore, which will showcase Meghalaya’s tribal culture through amphitheatres, rain experience parks, art galleries and craft pavilions. The circuit will also include the redevelopment of the Nohkalikai Falls precinct, Mawsmai Eco Park, Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, Shella Riverside and Wahkaliar Canyon. Adventure activities such as hot-air balloon rides and guided treks will add new dimensions to the region’s tourism offerings.
According to official projections, the Sohra Circuit could increase tourist spending nearly sixfold and create more than 4,600 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Scindia emphasised that the project “embodies the essence of responsible tourism, ensuring that progress uplifts both people and nature.”
The Minister also launched several key infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, including the Pynursla–Latangriwan–Mawlynnong Road, the upgraded Mawshynrut–Hahim (Athiabari) Road, and a new bridge over the Umngot River. Together, these initiatives will enhance mobility, trade and tourism access across eastern and western Meghalaya.
He added that the ongoing extension of Umroi Airport and construction of the Shillong Western Bypass will soon cut travel time between Guwahati and Sohra to around four hours, making the region more accessible to domestic and international visitors.
The Sohra Circuit also prioritises local community participation. Skill development programmes, conducted in collaboration with the Meghalaya Skills Development Society and IHM Shillong, will train local youth in hospitality, safety, and eco-tourism practices. “The first smile a tourist sees in Meghalaya should be the first income earned by a local family,” Scindia remarked, underscoring the project’s focus on inclusive growth.
Scindia concluded by calling Meghalaya “a land where heritage meets hope,” saying that the partnership between the Centre and the State will make it a model for sustainable tourism and development in the Northeast.
