Guwahati, Assam, 15th of June 2026 : The North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 (NEIINFRA) commenced on a high note in Shillong today, with Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, Shri Nitin Gadkari, inaugurating the two-day summit as Chief Guest.
Organised by the Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) and co-organised by Build India Foundation at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts & Culture, Shillong, NEIINFRA is envisioned as a first-of-its-kind integrated infrastructure platform that brings together governments, ministries, policymakers, industry leaders, infrastructure developers, investors, innovators, startups and technology providers to accelerate infrastructure-led growth in Northeast India.
Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural programme, Shri Nitin Gadkari announced a slew of infrastructure projects for the Northeast, involving a total investment of around ₹50,000 crore. Highlighting key initiatives, he announced the 165-km Silchar–Shillong Greenfield Highway project at an estimated cost of ₹3,500 crore, the 66-km Shillong–Guwahati Greenfield Corridor with an investment of ₹8,500 crore, and the Guwahati–Shillong Brownfield-cum-Greenfield project costing ₹18,500 crore. He further announced an additional ₹40,000 crore investment for projects across Meghalaya. Among the major projects is the 136-km Darugiri–Baghmara–Dalu road corridor in West and South Garo Hills, near the India–Bangladesh border, to be developed at a cost of ₹4,000 crore, which is expected to improve connectivity for remote villages in the region. He also highlighted the ₹8,500-crore Jorabat–Barapani project, which will shorten the Guwahati–Shillong route from approximately 100 km to 66 km, significantly enhancing travel efficiency and regional connectivity.
The summit began with the inauguration of the exhibition, followed by a high-level CEO Round Table moderated by Shri Vaibhav Dange, Founder, Build India Foundation. The event was attended by Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, the host state; Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland; and senior representatives from the Government of India and the Northeastern states.
NEIINFRA 2026 focuses on six strategic sectors that are shaping the future of the region: Roads & Highways, Tourism Infrastructure, Aviation & Airports, Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Industrial Infrastructure, and Digital Infrastructure.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, highlighted the state’s remarkable growth trajectory and the evolving development landscape of the Northeast.
“The opportunities that are no longer available in many developed states of the country are available in the Northeast because those states have already crossed that phase of development. A few decades ago, the region faced challenges related to law and order, insurgency and political instability, which hindered growth. Today, peace has returned to most parts of the Northeast. Meghalaya has ranked among the top-performing states in GDP growth, our budget has doubled over the last eight years, and capital expenditure has increased six-fold. Growth is visible across sectors in Meghalaya, and the same momentum is being witnessed across the Northeast,” he said.
Briefing participants about the summit, Shri Vaibhav Dange said, “Over the next two days, the Summit will host high-level plenary sessions, CEO roundtables, investment discussions, B2G and G2G meetings, networking forums, and a large-scale multisectoral exhibition. More than 800 stakeholders from government agencies, ministries, PSUs, industry associations, investors, infrastructure developers, consultants, startups, technology companies and businesses from India and abroad are participating.”
Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, emphasized the need for industry participation in the region’s growth story. “Development is at our doorstep. Industry can leverage the existing infrastructure and opportunities through smart investments and a progressive outlook. I urge all stakeholders to work together and seize this opportunity to transform the Northeast into a region of prosperity, welfare and sustainable development,” he said.
Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, observed, “When we speak of infrastructure, we often picture roads and bridges. But for the Northeast, infrastructure means much more. It is a catalyst that connects people to opportunities, businesses to markets and communities to a better quality of life.”
Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, stated, “The Northeast is entering a new phase of transformation. The Act East Policy and the Government of India’s sustained focus on regional connectivity are creating unprecedented opportunities. Platforms such as this summit play a crucial role in bringing together governments, investors and stakeholders to translate this vision into reality.”
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the Summit’s Knowledge Papers and Vision Report, outlining strategic pathways for infrastructure-led growth and regional economic integration.
The afternoon programme featured four thematic sessions focused on critical areas of regional development.
The first session, “Future of Infrastructure in North East: Boosting Connectivity & Creating Global Opportunities,” brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Border Roads Organisation, state governments and leading industry representatives. Discussions centred on strengthening transport infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity and developing new economic corridors to boost trade and investment. The session was moderated by Shri Atul Kulkarni, BoG, IIM Shillong, Knowledge Partner for NEIINFRA.
The second session, “Tourism & Technology: Enabling North East Economy,” explored how tourism, hospitality and emerging technologies can unlock new economic opportunities. Experts discussed strategies to position the Northeast as a premier tourism destination while leveraging digital innovation to enhance visitor experiences and business growth. The session was moderated by Shri Akash Datta, Managing Director, HVS ANAROCK.
At the summit, while addressing the gathering, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, urged stakeholders to leverage the enabling environment and growth-oriented ecosystem created to accelerate the Northeast’s development. He highlighted the region’s progress in tourism, expansion of inland waterways—including the pioneering MV Ganga Vilas project—and significant investments in airports, bridges and transport infrastructure. Emphasising the transformative power of connectivity, he remarked, “Without transportation, there cannot be transformation.” He also encouraged the youth to embrace global opportunities and contribute actively to the region’s development, calling for collective dedication, discipline and commitment to realise the Northeast’s immense potential.
The final session of the day, “Global Reach of NER Products & Services: Building Industrial Infrastructure & Logistic Pathways,” explored opportunities to strengthen industrial ecosystems, logistics networks and export-oriented growth. The session was graced by Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, Hon’ble Minister, Government of Meghalaya, and Smti Hekani Jakhalu, MLA and Hon’ble Advisor, Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland.
A parallel CEO Round Table, moderated by Mr. Rajeev Agarwal, Vice President, FINER and Convenor, NEIINFRA, focused on building a unified infrastructure vision for the region.
“The central message of the Summit is to create ‘One Platform, One Region, One Infrastructure Vision’ for Northeast India. The Summit is not merely about infrastructure projects; it is about fostering partnerships, facilitating investments, strengthening regional integration, improving connectivity and creating long-term economic opportunities for a stronger and more connected Northeast,” he said.
Throughout the day, the exhibition served as a vibrant platform showcasing innovations, technologies and investment opportunities across infrastructure, transportation, energy, logistics and construction sectors. Delegates engaged with exhibitors, solution providers and government agencies to explore collaborations and business opportunities.
Commenting on the successful conclusion of Day One, Shri Bajrang Lohia, President, FINER, said that the enthusiastic participation from both government and industry reflects growing confidence in the Northeast’s economic potential and its emergence as a preferred destination for infrastructure investment.
The summit will continue on 16 June 2026 with discussions on tourism-led development, MSMEs and startups, renewable energy, digital infrastructure and technology-driven construction, culminating in the valedictory session attended by senior national and state leaders.
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