Shillong, June 17: The North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition (NEIINFRA) 2026 concluded successfully at the Lariti Complex in New Shillong on Tuesday, outlining an ambitious roadmap for infrastructure development, tourism expansion, investment promotion and economic integration across Meghalaya and the wider Northeast region.
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| Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presents a token of appreciation during the North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition (NEIINFRA) 2026 in Shillong. (Image: DIPR Meghalaya) |
Organised by the Government of Meghalaya in partnership with the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North East Region (FINER) and the Build India Foundation, the two-day summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and development experts to discuss strategies for accelerating growth in the region.
The second day of the summit focused on tourism, innovative financing for MSMEs and startups, green energy, and next-generation technologies. The event was attended by Union Minister for Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, senior government officials, industry representatives and stakeholders from across the Northeast.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the Northeast’s remarkable transformation over the past decade. Referring to observations made by Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, he said the region has moved from a period marked by uncertainty to one characterised by confidence, growth and opportunity.
The Union Minister noted that more than ₹6 lakh crore has been invested in public development initiatives across the Northeast over the last ten years. This includes major investments in roads, railways, digital connectivity and infrastructure projects worth over ₹69,000 crore. He said these investments have laid a strong foundation for the region to emerge as a hub for trade, logistics, tourism, education, innovation and cultural exchange.
“The future of India’s growth story cannot be complete without the northeastern states; for me, it begins from the Northeast,” Shekhawat said, adding that the region is increasingly being viewed as a strategic economic corridor linking India with Southeast Asia.
Addressing the summit virtually, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu described the Northeast as the “abode of opportunities,” highlighting significant progress in regional connectivity. He noted that the region’s GDP growth rate has reached 13 percent, nearly double the national average.
The minister highlighted major developments in the aviation sector, including the expansion of operational airports, infrastructure upgrades at Shillong Airport and plans for the operationalisation of Tura Airport. He also announced that under the new UDAN scheme, at least one heliport will be developed in every district of the Northeast to improve connectivity, promote tourism and strengthen local economies.
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar said the summit signalled a new phase in the state’s development journey, with greater emphasis on industrial growth, investment promotion and long-term employment generation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a transparent and investor-friendly environment while continuing to support local entrepreneurs and businesses.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed highlighted the strong support extended by the Union Government to the Northeast, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the region more than 60 times during the last decade, while Union Ministers have collectively made over 700 visits.
He proposed recognising tourism infrastructure as sovereign capital and suggested expanding Meghalaya’s successful homestay subsidy model to other northeastern states to boost community-based tourism. He also stressed the need for affordable tourism infrastructure and greater efforts to reshape perceptions about the Northeast.
Commissioner and Secretary of the Public Works Department, Shri Sanjay Goyal, emphasised that regional prosperity depends on all northeastern states growing together through collaboration, coordination and effective implementation of development initiatives.
The summit also featured the release of the Vision Report 2047 (Ashtalakshmi), which outlines a long-term strategy for transforming the eight northeastern states into a modern, prosperous and globally connected region. The Tourism Infrastructure Report and a Knowledge Report focusing on industrial development, aviation and airport infrastructure were also unveiled.
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Awards were presented to outstanding exhibitors during the event. Dak-ti Craft won top honours in the MSME category, while Naira Travels and Nela Handlooms were recognised for their exhibition presence. In the main exhibitor category, Jubilant eSport and Allied Safety Equipment received awards, while Canboo was named Champion Exhibitor.
The summit built upon the momentum generated during its inaugural day, when Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari announced a ₹39,800 crore infrastructure package for Meghalaya. The opening session was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Nagaland Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio and representatives from all eight northeastern states.
Officials said NEIINFRA 2026 is envisioned not merely as a summit but as a launchpad for long-term public-private partnerships aimed at converting regional challenges into opportunities and positioning the Northeast as a key driver of India’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
