The Central government has sanctioned ₹951.27 crore for the construction of a 29.03-km long Tura Bypass, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving regional connectivity in the Garo Hills region. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, signaling the Centre’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure in the Northeast.
The upcoming two-lane bypass with paved shoulders will link National Highway 127B at Sanchonggre village with National Highway 217 at Jenggitchakgre village, bypassing the congested Tura town. Tura, the administrative headquarters of West Garo Hills, has long struggled with heavy traffic, narrow internal roads, and slow movement of goods and commuters. The new bypass is expected to provide a long-term solution by diverting through traffic away from the town center.
NH-217, earlier known as NH-51, connects Guwahati to Dalu, a border town with Bangladesh and a key inland customs post. The bypass is seen as a strategic route to facilitate smoother freight movement, improve safety, and enhance cross-border trade. Local traders in Tura Bazaar have welcomed the move, saying it will cut down delays in the movement of goods and bring much-needed relief to daily commuters. Similarly, market observers in Siliguri noted that improved regional connectivity could open up new trade corridors between Meghalaya and northeastern commercial hubs, thereby benefiting the broader economy.