Centre unveils Sohra tourism circuit in Meghalaya

• Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia  laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Circuit Development under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme in Meghalaya on November 1.

• Calling the Sohra Circuit a game-changer for Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the initiative will transform infrastructure, boost local livelihoods, and elevate Meghalaya’s image as a sustainable tourism hub.

• The Integrated Sohra Circuit, conceptualised jointly by the Ministry of DoNER and the government of Meghalaya, represents one of the most ambitious tourism initiatives in the northeast. 

• With total investments exceeding Rs 650 crore, the project aims to transform Sohra into a multi-day experiential tourism destination rooted in sustainability and local livelihoods.

• The Sohra Experience Centre at Kutmadan, being developed at an investment of Rs 115 crore, will serve as the cultural nucleus of the circuit, showcasing Meghalaya’s diverse tribal heritage through amphitheatres, rain experience parks, art galleries, and craft pavilions.

• Supporting projects include the Nohkalikai Falls precinct (Rs 26 crore), Mawsmai Eco Park (Rs 29 crore), Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, Shella Riverside Development, and Wahkaliar Canyon with adventure tourism features such as hot-air balloon rides. 

• Collectively, these projects are expected to increase tourist spending sixfold, while generating over 4,600 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

PM-DevINE scheme

• The Union Cabinet approved the PM-DevINE Scheme on October 12, 2022, as a Central Sector Scheme with 100 per cent central funding, with a total outlay of Rs 6,600 crore for the four year period from 2022-23 to 2025-26. 

• PM-DevINE aims at rapid and holistic development of the northeast region by funding infrastructure and social development projects based on felt needs of the states. 

The objectives of PM-DevINE are to:

a) Fund infrastructure convergently in the spirit of PM Gati Shakti.

b) Support social development projects based on felt needs of the northeast region.

c) Enable livelihood activities for youth and women.

d) Fill the development gaps in various sectors.

• The projects sanctioned under PM-DevINE are executed by state governments/implementing agencies concerned in the northeastern region and the primary responsibility of monitoring and implementation of these projects lies with the concerned state governments/implementing agencies.

• A total of 41 projects worth Rs 5,351.31 crore have been sanctioned under the scheme till June 30, 2025 since its launch.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)