Shillong, June 15 (IANS) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday inaugurated the North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition (NEIINFRA) 2026 in Shillong, Meghalaya, highlighting the importance of accelerated infrastructure development in the Northeastern region to boost connectivity, trade, tourism and economic growth.

The two-day summit, being held from June 15 to 16 at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture, has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, infrastructure experts and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on emerging opportunities and future infrastructure projects in the Northeast.

Earlier in the day, Gadkari was received at Umroi Airport by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong. The leaders later joined the inaugural session of the summit.

The event was also attended by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with senior government officials, representatives from public sector agencies, private infrastructure companies, investors and development partners.

Addressing the gathering, participants underlined the strategic importance of the Northeast as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia and stressed the need for sustained investments in roads, highways, logistics networks, urban infrastructure, renewable energy and digital connectivity.

The summit is expected to serve as a platform for discussions on ongoing and upcoming infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and improving the ease of movement of people and goods across the eight Northeastern states.

Industry representatives are also expected to explore investment opportunities in sectors such as transportation, tourism, urban development, sustainable infrastructure and smart technologies.

The accompanying exhibition showcases a range of infrastructure projects, technological innovations and development models relevant to the region.

The Northeast has witnessed a major push in infrastructure development in recent years, with significant investments in national highways, bridges, airports, railway connectivity and border trade corridors.

The Centre has consistently emphasised the region’s role in strengthening India’s Act East Policy and integrating the Northeast more closely with national and international markets.

The summit is expected to conclude on Tuesday with a series of thematic discussions, business engagements and policy deliberations focused on the future of infrastructure-led growth in the Northeast.

–IANS

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