Shillong, Jun 16: Northeast has benefited from a cumulative public development expenditure exceeding ₹6 lakh crore over the last decade, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said.
Addressing the concluding day of the North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 (NEIINFRA) in Shillong on Tuesday, the minister said the development expenditure includes capital investments in various sectors such as road networks, digital connectivity, and rail projects totaling over ₹69,000 crore.
Shekhawat said the Northeast is poised to become a major hub for trade logistics, tourism, and education. He said the integration of innovation and cultural exchange is vital and remarked, “The future of India’s growth story cannot be complete without the Northeastern states, but for me, it begins from Northeastern states.”
He underscored the important role of the Northeast in shaping India’s economic destiny, marking it as not just a remote region but a strategic economic corridor linking India with Southeast Asia.
Addressing the summit virtually, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu noted that the region, historically known as the “abode of clouds,” is on the verge of becoming the “abode of opportunities.” This transformation is marked by significant advancements in regional connectivity and infrastructure development.
He highlighted the ongoing upgrades to Shillong Airport and the imminent operationalisation of Tura Airport in Meghalaya. He announced the introduction of the new Udaan scheme, which aims to establish at least one heliport in every district.
NEIINFRA was organised by Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER), and Build India Foundation to foster partnerships, encourage investment, and advance sustainable development across the region.
The last day of the summit featured a series of sessions addressing tourism, industrial development, green energy, infrastructure modernization, and startup growth.
Awards were also presented to the best exhibitors. In Category B (MSME), Dak-ti Craft secured the award for incredible display and engagement, followed by Naira Travels and Nela Handlooms for their exhibition presence. In the Main Exhibitors category, top honours were captured by Jubilant eSport and Allied Safety Equipment for their high-energy, standout showcases, while Canboo triumphed as the Champion Exhibitor, taking home the coveted trophy for unmatched excellence and presentation.
The event also saw the release of the Vision Report 2047 (Ashtalakshmi), which outlines a pathway to transform the eight northeastern states into a modern and prosperous region. This was followed by the release of the Tourism Infrastructure Report. Additionally, the Knowledge Report was unveiled focusing on development, industrial infrastructure, as well as aviation and airports.
