Shillong summit charts infrastructure-led growth roadmap for Northeast

Shillong, June 16: The North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition (NEIINFRA) 2026 concluded in Shillong on Tuesday, with policymakers, industry leaders, investors and development experts outlining a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable infrastructure development and economic transformation across the Northeast.

Hosted by the Meghalaya government and organised by the Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) in collaboration with the Build India Foundation, the two-day summit focused on strengthening connectivity, attracting investment and unlocking the region’s vast economic potential.

Addressing the valedictory session, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the Northeast is emerging as a strategic hub for trade, tourism and investment, supported by unprecedented infrastructure expansion.

He noted that over ₹6 lakh crore has been invested in the region since 2014 across highways, railways, airports, waterways, digital networks and energy projects.

Shekhawat stressed that infrastructure development is not merely about building roads and bridges but about connecting people to opportunities, markets and essential services. He also highlighted the Northeast’s role as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia and called for development that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

The summit featured a series of thematic sessions on tourism, industrial development, green energy, infrastructure modernisation and startup growth.

As Guest of Honour, TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman emphasised that tourism must directly benefit local communities through employment generation and income creation. He advocated sustainable tourism models that protect indigenous identity and environmental resources while improving regional connectivity and cargo infrastructure.

During a session on tourism development, experts discussed strategies to position the Northeast as a premier destination through eco-tourism, adventure tourism, heritage conservation and community-led initiatives.

Meghalaya Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammed highlighted the untapped economic potential of the tourism sector, stating that the region must focus on generating greater value from visitors by promoting local entrepreneurship, skill development and hospitality training.

Discussions on MSMEs and startups centred on innovative financing mechanisms, investment opportunities, incubation ecosystems and improved market access to strengthen entrepreneurship in the region.

The summit also spotlighted the Northeast’s renewable energy potential, with panellists advocating greater investment in bio-energy and green technologies to enhance energy security and support sustainable growth.

Speaking at the event, Meghalaya Minister Lahkmen Rymbui underscored the potential of bioenergy, bamboo, broom grass and micro-hydropower projects in driving rural development.

He called for stronger market linkages, increased research and innovation, and greater private-sector participation to unlock the value of local resources.

Another key session explored the role of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and smart construction practices in accelerating infrastructure delivery and improving project efficiency across the region.

The summit was attended by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, senior government officials, industry representatives and investors.

In the valedictory session, FINER President Bajrang Lohia reaffirmed the need for coordinated efforts among governments, industry and financial institutions to transform the Northeast into a major growth engine for the country. FINER Vice-President Rajeev Agarwal said the summit had strengthened collective commitment towards world-class infrastructure and investment-led development in the region.

The event also witnessed participation from Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sarbananda Sonowal, Ram Mohan Naidu, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and other senior policymakers and business leaders.

Organisers said the recommendations and partnerships emerging from the summit are expected to support policy formulation, accelerate infrastructure projects and enhance the Northeast’s attractiveness as a destination for investment, tourism, renewable energy and entrepreneurship.

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