Shillong, Meghalay, 23rd of June 2026 : Reliance Jio highlighted its contribution to strengthening digital connectivity across the North East and outlined its continued focus on expanding digital inclusion and supporting the region’s growth at the North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026, held last week in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Jio has established a strong digital connectivity footprint across the North East through its extensive 4G and 5G network, high-speed broadband services, and digital platforms. The company continues to strengthen digital infrastructure across the region, including in remote and underserved areas, while supporting greater digital inclusion and enabling socio-economic development.
These developments were highlighted by Shri Prem Patnaik, CEO – North East, Reliance Jio Infocomm, during his participation as a panelist in the session titled “Waterways to Wireless Connectivity- The Emerging Stories of our Ashtalakshmi” at the North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026. He joined a distinguished panel comprising Shri Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur; Shri Rajeev Singh, Additional Director General, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways; Shri Atul Pundir, Deputy Director, Indian Roads Congress; Shri O.P. Minhas, DDG (Admin), North East LSA, Department of Telecommunications, Government of India; Shri K.L. Nongbri, Joint Secretary, Information Technology & Communications Department, Government of Meghalaya; Shri Raj Chakraborty, Commissioner, PWD, Government of Assam; Shri Daniel Alex, Chief Business Officer, NELCO; and Shri Pradeep Purohit, CEO, Star Cement. The session was moderated by Shri Atul Kulkarni, Member, Board of Governors, IIM Shillong.
During the discussion, Jio outlined its journey in transforming digital connectivity across the North East despite challenging terrain and logistical hurdles. The company also acknowledged the support of state governments and local authorities in facilitating telecom infrastructure deployment and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders to extend digital services deeper into rural and remote regions.
The two-day North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 brought together policymakers, industry leaders, infrastructure experts, investors, and technology providers to discuss strategies for accelerating infrastructure-led growth across the region. The summit focused on opportunities in connectivity, transportation, digital infrastructure, logistics, urban development, tourism, and sustainable economic growth.
The event was inaugurated by Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, in the presence of Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, and several other senior government officials and industry leaders. The inaugural session highlighted major road, highway, waterway, railway, and urban infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening connectivity and enhancing economic opportunities across the North Eastern region.
About The Author
More Stories
Tech Mahindra Strengthens Partnership With Telefónica Germany To Build Next-Generation Private Cloud Platform.
RAI Retail Business Survey – Round 71.
A Decade Of Defying Limits: Hero Motosports Team Rally Celebrates 10 Years Of Global Rally Racing Excellence.