Foundation Stone Laid for Integrated Sohra Circuit Development under PM-DevINE Scheme

On 1st November 2025, the Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Circuit Development project under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme.

Key Highlights:

• Government Investment:
  The Minister highlighted that over ₹6.2 lakh crore has been channelled into the Northeast through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) policy, promoting connectivity, enterprise, and empowerment across multiple sectors.
• Project Overview:
  • The Integrated Sohra Circuit is jointly conceptualised by the Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Meghalaya.
  • It stands as one of the most ambitious tourism projects in the Northeast, designed to transform Sohra (Cherrapunji) into a multi-day experiential tourism destination.
  • The focus is on sustainability, cultural preservation, and local livelihood development.
• Major Components and Investments:
  • Sohra Experience Centre, Kutmadan: ₹115 crore — envisioned as the cultural and interpretive hub of the circuit.
  • Nohkalikai Falls Precinct: ₹26 crore — to enhance tourist facilities around India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
  • Mawsmai Eco Park: ₹29 crore — for eco-friendly recreation and conservation-based tourism.
  • Other Projects:
    • Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint
    • Shella Riverside Development
    • Wahkaliar Canyon Adventure Tourism Zone featuring hot-air balloon rides and other adventure activities.
• Significance:
  The project aims to position Meghalaya as a model for sustainable tourism in the region, boosting employment, cultural pride, and eco-tourism opportunities while enhancing India’s Northeastern tourism infrastructure.

Source: PIB