Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced on Wednesday that the state is moving forward with the development of the Hili-Mahendraganj transnational economic corridor, a significant project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Meghalaya and the rest of India via Bangladesh. The 100 km corridor, once completed, has the potential to reduce travel time and costs by 25-60% on the route from Kolkata to key growth centers in Meghalaya, such as Tura, Baghmara, Dalu, and Dawki.
Sangma further shared that the project was included in the minutes of a high-level meeting between India and Bangladesh. As part of the policy document, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) have already begun a preliminary study for the corridor.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism about the transformative impact of the corridor on the region, stating that road alignment analytics prepared by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) have already been shared with Bangladesh for a feasibility study. “I am very optimistic about the Hili-Mahendraganj Corridor and believe it will be transformative for the entire region in the coming years,” he said.
Sangma elaborated on the broader economic benefits of the project, highlighting its potential to shorten distances and reduce costs for other northeastern states. “I have seen the economic benefit of doing this project for the entire Northeast region. If the connection between Hili and Mahendraganj, which passes through Bangladesh, happens, the distance to reach Kolkata from locations like Silchar, Mizoram, Tripura, and Barak Valley will be cut by over 600 to 700 kilometers. That’s the kind of impact it’ll have,” he explained.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the project is still in its early stages, as it involves discussions with the government of Bangladesh. However, he expressed confidence that it would become a reality in the coming years. “The discussion officially took place when our honorable Prime Minister and the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh met. This was included in the minutes of the meeting, and as part of that policy document, NHIDCL began a preliminary study. While it’s difficult to predict when it will happen, I’m sure it will,” he said, stressing its potential to drastically change the economic landscape of Meghalaya and the southern part of northeastern India.
In addition to the Hili-Mahendraganj Corridor, the Chief Minister highlighted his efforts to push for the development of a comprehensive Border Economic Corridor from Dalu to Sonapur.
“I have also taken up the proposal for development of a comprehensive Border Economic Corridor from Dalu to Sonapur with the Ministries of DONER and Road Transport and Highways. The Corridor of 450 kms provides access to 9 Land Custom Stations and 1 Border Haat at Balat. This corridor has 25 dilapidated bridges and is missing multiple links which hinders the movement of high-capacity freight and passenger vehicles. We will initiate the construction of some of the priority missing links and bridges in the next year. Other infrastructure at Border Haats and Land Custom Stations will also be strengthened,” he said.