Land acquisition for the Umiam (Barapani)-Silchar high-speed corridor project in Assam is underway, with Chief Secretary Ravi Kota announcing that 85% of the needed land is in Meghalaya, and its acquisition will be handled by the Meghalaya government. The remaining 15% in Assam is already being acquired. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has completed project planning, and environmental clearance is anticipated within four to five weeks. Tenders for the construction are expected to be issued by February 28, with completion projected within 48 months. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that the express highway will significantly reduce travel time between Guwahati and Silchar, potentially allowing travel to be completed in six hours. The Union Cabinet previously approved the high-speed corridor with an estimated cost of Rs 22,864 crore. This 166.80-km, four-lane, access-controlled greenfield highway will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode, covering 144.80 km in Meghalaya and 22 km in Assam, integrating into National Highway-06.
