#Assam | The two-day North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (NEIINFRA) 2026 commenced in Shillong on Monday, bringing together more than 800 delegates, policymakers, industry leaders and infrastructure experts to explore growth opportunities across the eight northeastern states. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio were among the dignitaries present at the inaugural session. Addressing the summit, Gadkari reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to the development of the Northeast and described infrastructure as the region’s future growth engine. Announcing a series of road projects, he said he expects travel from Shillong to Guwahati Airport to take just one hour by the time of his next visit. Before the inaugural session, the minister attended a CEO roundtable and inaugurated an exhibition featuring companies participating in the summit. Speaking at the event, Conrad Sangma said the Northeast was now “daring to dream” and ready to showcase its potential to investors. He highlighted Meghalaya’s rapid infrastructure expansion, stating that the state’s budget has doubled over the past eight years while capital expenditure has increased sixfold. Sangma also said the state is constructing a FIFA-certified 40,000-capacity football stadium and preparing to host the National Games next year. The Chief Minister further said Meghalaya has added two five-star hotels in the last five years, with eight more planned, while the reopened Shillong Airport is expected to handle full commercial operations within the next one to one-and-a-half years. The summit will conclude on Tuesday with thematic discussions, business engagements and policy deliberations focused on infrastructure-led growth and strengthening the Northeast’s role as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.