Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Inaugurated Sohra Tourism Circuit Project Under PM-DevINE Scheme

In November 2025, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Ministry of Communications (MoC) along with Meghalaya Chief Minister (CM) Conrad K. Sangma, laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Development of the Sohra (Cherrapunji) Tourism Circuit in Sohra, Meghalaya.

• The project, funded under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme, aims to transform Sohra into a model for sustainable and community-led tourism in the Northeast.

 About the Sohra Tourism Circuit Project:

Objective: To transform Sohra (Cherrapunji) into a multi-day experiential tourism destination by strengthening infrastructure, boosting local livelihoods, and preserving cultural and ecological heritage.

Total Investment: The project entails a total investment of over Rs. 650 crore, including Rs. 221 crore contributed by the MDoNER.
Community-Driven Approach: The project follows a community-participation and sustainable tourism model aimed at generating employment, empowering local communities, and promoting eco-friendly tourism practices.
Key Project Components:

• Sohra Experience Centre at Kutmadan: Developed with an investment of Rs. 115 crore, the centre features an amphitheatre, rain experience park, art gallery, and craft pavilion showcasing Meghalaya’s rich tribal heritage.
• Nohkalikai Falls Precinct Development: The project focuses on enhancing visitor facilities and enriching the overall tourist experience, with an estimated investment of Rs. 26 crore.
• Mawsmai Eco Park Development: The project is aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and fostering environmental awareness, with an estimated investment of Rs. 29 crore.
• Other Attractions: The project encompasses the development of Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, Shella Riverside, and Wahkaliar Canyon, along with the introduction of adventure tourism activities such as hot-air balloon rides.

Infrastructure & Connectivity: 

• Pynursla–Latangriwan–Mawlynnong Road: With an investment of Rs. 29.97 crore, this project aims to provide all-weather access to Mawlynnong, renowned as Asia’s cleanest village.
• Mawshynrut–Hahim (Athiabari) Road: An investment of Rs.99.76 crore is allocated to upgrade the road to intermediate lane standards, enhancing agricultural and trade connectivity in the region.
• Bridge over Umngot River: This project, with an investment of ₹21.86 crore, will construct a bridge connecting East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills via the Jongksha–Wahiajer Road.

Skill Development: Training programmes in partnership with the Meghalaya Skills Development Society and Institute of Hotel Management Shillong

(IHM Shillong), aims to equip youth with skills in hospitality, safety management, and eco-tourism to enhance local employment opportunities.

Regional Development: Through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) policy, over Rs. 6.2 lakh crore has been invested in the NER, including major projects like the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway, Umroi Airport expansion, and the New Shillong City smart-green township.

About Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme:

Overview: The PM-DevINE Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme (CSS) launched in the Union Budget 2022–23 by the Government of India (GoI) in 2022 to fund infrastructure and social development projects in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India.

Implementing Agency: It is implemented through the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).

Coverage: All eight North Eastern States — Arunachal Pradesh (AP), Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
Outlay: Rs. 6,600 crore (for 2022–23 to 2025–26)