The North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 commenced at the Lariti Complex in New Shillong, Meghalaya, with a focus on strengthening regional connectivity, accelerating infrastructure development and unlocking investment opportunities across Northeast India.Organised and hosted by the Government of Meghalaya, with the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North East Region and Build India Foundation as partners, the summit is positioned as the first event dedicated exclusively to infrastructure and investment across Northeast India.The event brings together more than 1,500 delegates, eight Union Ministries and all eight Northeastern States. It includes six key sectors, over eight summit sessions, more than three CEO roundtables and a showcase of over 60 exhibitors.The agenda focuses on unlocking the potential of the eight Northeastern States, referred to as Ashtalakshmi, while positioning the region as India’s growth engine and gateway to Southeast Asia in support of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.The inaugural ceremony was attended by Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways; Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya; Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland; Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of DoNER; and other key stakeholders.Gadkari said the Centre is committed to bringing road infrastructure in the Northeast on par with progressive and developed states. He added that strong leadership and the right vision can convert waste into wealth, and said the summit would inspire and motivate investors.Meghalaya is set for a major infrastructure upgrade, with National Highway projects worth nearly Rs 39,800 crore covering about 450 km. Key projects include the 165 km four-lane greenfield Shillong-Silchar Corridor worth Rs 23,000 crore, which is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities by 50 per cent.The 66 km four-lane greenfield Jorabat-Barapani Corridor, worth Rs 8,500 crore, will reduce Guwahati-Shillong travel time from 2.5 hours to one hour. It will also form part of a proposed Siliguri-Guwahati-Shillong-Silchar economic corridor.Other projects include the 136 km Darugiri-Baghmara-Dalu section of NH-217, worth Rs 4,000 crore, along with the Pomlum-Umtyngar four-laning on the Shillong-Dawki corridor, Tura-Dalu improvement, Tura Bypass, Pynursla Bypass and NH-127B works linked to the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge.These projects are expected to support cross-border trade at Dawki and Dalu, improve tourism access to Sohra, Mawlynnong and Krang Suri Falls, generate employment and improve market access for farmers and entrepreneurs across Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills.Sangma said the region has moved from decades of instability to a period of peace and political stability. He highlighted Meghalaya’s economic growth, noting that the state ranks third nationally in GDP growth over the past five years, supported by a doubled state budget, higher capital expenditure and major investments in roads.Rio said the Northeast is entering a dynamic phase of transformation driven by the Act East Policy. He added that collaborative platforms are essential to bring together governments, investors and stakeholders to translate shared development goals into reality.During the ceremony, dignitaries released the Knowledge Papers and Vision Report compiled by a Special Knowledge Committee led by Atul Kulkarni of IIM Shillong.Jaju said the Northeast is rapidly becoming a strategic growth engine and India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, supported by focused investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.Shakil P Ahammed, Chief Secretary, Meghalaya, called for a strategic push to accelerate trade, optimise transit times and encourage industry to tap opportunities in infrastructure, digital technology and biotechnology.Sanjay Goyal, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of PWD, Meghalaya, highlighted the state’s post-COVID GSDP growth of 10%. He said Rs 50,400 crore has been invested in highway development, helping build or upgrade over 4,700 km of roads and 2,800 km of bridges in the past eight years.The summit positions Meghalaya as a key gateway for regional growth, with the state showcasing its readiness to attract high-value investments across infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, information technology and entrepreneurship.