The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has formally accelerated one of Northeast India’s most critical infrastructure projects by issuing a land acquisition notification for a key segment of the New National Highway 6 (NH 6) in Meghalaya.
Published in an Extraordinary edition of The Gazette of India on October 7, 2025, the notification utilizes the powers granted under Sub-section (1) of Section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956, declaring the Central Government’s intent to acquire land for public purpose. This action paves the way for the development of a modern, high-speed road network set to redefine regional connectivity.
A Segment of a ₹22,864 Crore Corridor
The land acquisition is not an isolated development but rather a foundational step for the much larger Shillong–Silchar Greenfield High-Speed Corridor on NH 6.
This mammoth project, with a total capital cost of approximately ₹22,864 crore, involves the construction of a 166.80 km access-controlled, 4-lane expressway. Its strategic importance is immense:
- Regional Hub Linkage: NH 6 is a vital artery connecting the major urban centers of Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, and Aizawl.
- Enhanced Connectivity: The new corridor will drastically improve logistics and reduce travel time, linking Meghalaya and Assam more efficiently and improving connectivity to other northeastern states, including Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur.
- Economic Impetus: The project is expected to spur significant economic development, particularly in areas associated with coal and cement production in Meghalaya.
The current notification pertains to the crucial initial stretch of the New NH 6, specifically spanning Kilometer 0 to Kilometer 22.1. The construction is designated for widening the highway to a 2-lane or 4-lane specification, including paved shoulders.
Affected Villages and Land Use in Ri Bhoi
The entire notified stretch falls within the Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya, a strategically important transit region. The land acquisition targets parcels within several villages, including:
- Pillun
- Umeit
- Umroi Madan
- Nongrah
- Umktieh
The official schedule indicates that the majority of the acquired parcels are private land designated for Horticulture and Agriculture. Furthermore, some Private Homestead land is also included in the acquisition plan in villages like Umktieh, underscoring the direct impact on local residents and farming communities.
The Legal Framework and Compensation Process
The notification sets in motion the legal steps for land transfer and compensation, balancing the public need for infrastructure with the rights of private landowners.
Right to Object
Any person with an interest in the notified land has a window of twenty-one days from the publication date (October 7, 2025) to raise formal, written objections. Objections must be submitted to the designated Competent Authority, the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue). The Authority is required to provide the objector with an opportunity for a hearing before making a final decision.
Fair Compensation and Arbitration
Compensation for the acquired land is determined in accordance with the National Highways Act, 1956, read with the First Schedule of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act, 2013).
The compensation package includes:
- The Market Value of the land.
- The value of assets attached to the land (such as structures and trees).
- A Multiplying Factor based on the land’s location (rural/urban).
- A 100% Solatium, which is mandatory additional compensation.
Should the amount determined by the Competent Authority be deemed insufficient, landowners retain the right to challenge the compensation award before an Arbitrator, typically a senior government officer appointed by the Central Government.
This major acquisition in Ri Bhoi represents a significant step toward modernizing infrastructure in the Northeast, promising substantial long-term benefits in trade, tourism, and regional integration, while initiating a structured process to justly compensate those whose land is required for national development.
FAQs on NH 6 land acquisition
What is the NH 6 land acquisition about?
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has initiated land acquisition for a key section of the New National Highway 6 in Meghalaya to build a high-speed corridor.
When was the notification issued?
The notification was published in The Gazette of India on October 7, 2025.
Under which law is the acquisition being conducted?
It is conducted under Sub-section (1) of Section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956.
What is the total cost of the NH 6 project?
The Shillong–Silchar Greenfield High-Speed Corridor on NH 6 costs approximately ₹22,864 crore.
How long is the proposed expressway?
The expressway will span 166.80 kilometers.
What type of road will be built?
A 4-lane, access-controlled expressway with paved shoulders will be constructed.
Which regions will be connected by NH 6?
It will connect Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, and Aizawl, improving links to Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur.
What is the significance of this project for the Northeast?
It will greatly enhance regional connectivity, trade, and economic growth.
Which district in Meghalaya is affected by the current notification?
The notified stretch falls within the Ri Bhoi district.
What is the length of the land acquisition stretch in Ri Bhoi?
The notification covers land from Kilometer 0 to Kilometer 22.1.
Which villages are affected by the acquisition?
Villages include Pillun, Umeit, Umroi Madan, Nongrah, and Umktieh.
What kind of land is being acquired?
Mostly private horticultural and agricultural land, along with some private homestead areas.
Who can raise objections to the acquisition?
Any person with an interest in the notified land may raise objections.
What is the deadline for submitting objections?
Objections must be filed within twenty-one days from the publication date, i.e., by October 28, 2025.
To whom should objections be submitted?
They must be submitted to the Competent Authority, the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue).
Will affected landowners get a hearing?
Yes, the Competent Authority must provide an opportunity for a personal hearing before making a final decision.
How will compensation be calculated?
Compensation follows the National Highways Act, 1956, and the RFCTLARR Act, 2013.
What does the compensation include?
It includes market value, value of assets, a location-based multiplying factor, and a 100% solatium.
What is a solatium?
A solatium is an additional compensation amount, equal to 100% of the land’s market value, for compulsory acquisition.
Can landowners appeal the compensation amount?
Yes, they can appeal before an Arbitrator appointed by the Central Government.
Who acts as the Arbitrator in compensation disputes?
Typically, a senior government officer appointed by the Central Government serves as the Arbitrator.
What economic benefits are expected from the NH 6 corridor?
It is expected to boost trade, logistics, and tourism, especially supporting coal and cement industries in Meghalaya.
How will the project impact travel and logistics?
It will drastically reduce travel time and improve transport efficiency across the Northeast.
What is the long-term significance of this acquisition?
It marks a major step toward transforming the Northeast’s infrastructure and integrating the region more closely with India’s economic network.
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