Shillong: Meghalaya on Monday hosted the inaugural North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition (NEIINFRA) 2026 at the Lariti Complex in New Shillong, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and representatives from all eight Northeastern states to discuss infrastructure development and connectivity in the region.
Organised by the Meghalaya government in partnership with the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North East Region (FINER) and the Build India Foundation, the summit is being positioned as the first dedicated platform focused exclusively on infrastructure development and investment opportunities in Northeast India.
The event was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, DoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju and other senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, Gadkari reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening connectivity in the Northeast, stating that road infrastructure in the region would be developed to match the standards of India’s most advanced states. He emphasised that quality infrastructure must translate into tangible benefits for people and highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in driving development.
The Union minister announced a series of major highway projects for Meghalaya worth nearly ₹39,800 crore. Among the flagship initiatives is the proposed 165-km four-lane Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor, estimated at ₹23,000 crore, which is expected to substantially reduce travel time between the two cities.
Another major project is the ₹8,500-crore Jorabat–Barapani four-lane corridor, aimed at reducing travel time between Guwahati and Shillong to about one hour.
Other proposed projects include the upgradation of the Darugiri–Baghmara–Dalu stretch of NH-217, expansion of the Shillong–Dawki corridor, construction of bypasses at Tura and Pynursla, and connectivity works linked to the Dhubri–Phulbari bridge. Officials said the projects would boost tourism, strengthen cross-border trade, improve access to remote areas and create employment opportunities.
Speaking at the summit, Sangma said the Northeast has entered a phase of peace and stability after decades of challenges, creating favourable conditions for economic growth and investment. He noted that Meghalaya has emerged as one of the fastest-growing state economies in the country over the past five years.
Sangma said the summit seeks to bring together governments, businesses and investors to identify opportunities and accelerate development across the region. He expressed hope that the platform would foster long-term collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described the Northeast as a region undergoing rapid transformation under the Act East Policy and stressed the importance of collaborative initiatives that connect governments, investors and industry stakeholders.
During the inaugural session, dignitaries released a Vision Report and a set of knowledge papers prepared by a committee led by Atul Kulkarni of IIM Shillong.
DoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju said the Northeast is steadily emerging as a strategic growth hub and a gateway to Southeast Asia, driven by investments in resilient infrastructure. Meghalaya Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed underscored the need to leverage opportunities in infrastructure, digital technology and biotechnology to unlock the region’s economic potential.
Officials also highlighted Meghalaya’s infrastructure push over the past eight years, including major investments in highways, roads and bridges, which they said have laid the foundation for stronger regional connectivity and sustained economic growth.
The summit will continue with discussions on infrastructure financing, logistics, urban development, energy, digital connectivity and investment opportunities across the Northeast.
Also Read | Nagaland has oil: The question is, who will benefit from it?