Sohra Tourism Circuit Project Inaugurated Under PM-DevINE

• Location: Sohra (Cherrapunji), Meghalaya
• Implementing Agency: Ministry of DoNER & Government of Meghalaya
• Estimated Cost: ₹200 – ₹233 crore (funded under PM-DevINE)
• Objective:
  • To transform Sohra into a multi-day sustainable tourism destination.
  • To create local employment opportunities through eco-friendly tourism.
  • To preserve the cultural and ecological heritage of Meghalaya.
• Community Approach: The project adopts a community-driven model, involving local entrepreneurs, artisans, and stakeholders to promote inclusive growth.
• Expected Benefits:
  • Boosts tourism and local livelihoods.
  • Strengthens regional infrastructure.
  • Enhances environmental sustainability in a sensitive ecological zone.

Launch & Announcement

• The PM-DevINE scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2022–23.
• It is being implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).

Nature of the Scheme

• It is a Central Sector Scheme, meaning it is 100% funded by the Central Government.
• The scheme operates under the Government of India’s vision of “Act East Policy” and Viksit Bharat @2047.

Implementation Period

• The scheme covers the period from 2022–23 to 2025–26.

Total Financial Outlay

• The total allocation for the scheme is ₹6,600 crore for the entire duration.

Coverage Area

• It covers all 8 North Eastern States — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

Primary Objective

• To fund infrastructure and social development projects that promote economic growth, livelihood creation, and regional connectivity in the North-East.
• To fill critical gaps not covered under existing Central or State schemes.

Key Focus Areas

• Development of roads and connectivity infrastructure.
• Promotion of healthcare, education, and agriculture.
• Support for tourism, IT, and digital connectivity.
• Strengthening women’s empowerment and skill development.

Implementation Approach

• Projects can be proposed by Central Ministries, State Governments, or North Eastern Council (NEC).
• The scheme focuses on high-impact projects that benefit multiple sectors and communities.

Examples of Major Projects under PM-DevINE

• Aizawl Bypass on NH-6, Mizoram.
• NECTAR Livelihood Project to support women and youth entrepreneurs.
• Tura Integrated Hospitality & Convention Centre, Meghalaya.
• Dibrugarh Cancer Centre, Assam.
• Sohra Tourism Circuit Project, Meghalaya.

• Addresses developmental gaps in the North-East through high-impact projects.
• Promotes inclusive growth and employment generation while ensuring environmental sustainability.
• Aligns with the “Act East Policy” and “Viksit Bharat @2047” vision by strengthening infrastructure, connectivity, and human capital in the region.
• Supplements existing schemes such as North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) and North Eastern Council (NEC) projects.