Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition 2026 recently wrapped up in Shillong, serving as a platform to accelerate regional development. The two-day event, hosted by the Meghalaya government alongside the Federation of Industry and Commerce of the North Eastern Region and the Build India Foundation, gathered policymakers and investors to map out economic strategies.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed that more than Rs 6 lakh crore has been invested in the region since 2014, covering major sectors like railways, highways, airports, and digital energy infrastructure. He stressed the importance of balancing progress with nature, stating, "Infrastructure development is not merely about constructing roads and bridges but about connecting people to opportunities, services and markets."
Discussions also prioritized tourism and local welfare. Tripura royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman advocated for tourism models that safeguard indigenous culture and create jobs for residents. Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P Ahammed noted that investing in specialized training for hospitality and caregiving remains vital for local economic gains.
The summit agenda explored broader growth drivers, including green energy, MSME financing, and the integration of artificial intelligence in construction. Meghalaya Minister Lahkmen Rymbui highlighted the potential of micro-hydropower and bamboo-based industries to boost rural livelihoods. FINER President Bajrang Lohia concluded the event by calling for closer cooperation between government agencies and financial institutions to turn these goals into reality for the Northeast.
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