Meghalaya’s Growth and Infrastructure Trajectory in Spotlight at NEIINFRA 2026 Curtain Raiser in New Delhi

New Delhi, May 15, 2026: The Government of Meghalaya, today, hosted the Curtain Raiser for the upcoming North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition (NEIINFRA) 2026 at Meghalaya House, New Delhi, spotlighting the State’s rapid economic growth, infrastructure expansion and emerging role in India’s growth story.

Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Shri Sanjay Jaju, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Government of India, was present as Guest of Honour. Dignitaries in attendance included Shri Avinash Joshi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India; Shri Sanjay Goyal, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Government of Meghalaya and Chair, Organising Committee , NEIINFRA ; Shri Bajrang Lohia, President, FINER, among others.

The summit, scheduled to be held in Shillong on June 11 and 12, 2026 will bring together five Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all the Northeastern states, policymakers, investors, infrastructure developers, financial institutions and industry leaders for discussions on connectivity, investment and regional growth.

Speaking at the event, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, said Meghalaya’s economy has doubled over the last five years, while capital investment has increased “four times compared to what it was from 2018.” Calling Meghalaya “one of the fastest growing economies in the country,” he stressed that the State has been “consistently growing at the same pace for the last three to four years,” which, he noted, is critical for investor confidence.

Highlighting the Meghalaya Industrial Promotion Policy, Shri Sangma said the State has rolled out “large incentives” for investors. He also underscored Meghalaya’s strong entrepreneurship ecosystem, stating that the State has consistently been recognised for having “the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs among the small states.”

Hon’ble Chief Minister further spoke about Meghalaya’s expanding IT ecosystem, noting that the State’s first IT Park is already “packed,” while the upcoming second IT Park has also witnessed overwhelming response from national as well as global industry leaders. He said Meghalaya is now moving towards further expansion, with additional IT infrastructure planned to create greater opportunities for the youth.

Shri Sanjay Jaju, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, appreciated Meghalaya’s rapid development trajectory and reiterated the Government of India’s continued support towards infrastructure-led growth and regional integration in the Northeast. He praised Shri Conrad K. Sangma for Meghalaya’s rapid growth, describing it as the fastest-growing state in the country with a 13–14% growth rate and a doubling economy within five years. Referring to the Northeast as “Ashtalakshmi,” he said the region lies at the heart of India’s development vision and highlighted Meghalaya and Shillong as emerging centres for infrastructure, investment, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

Notably, Meghalaya is the only state in the country to sustain nearly 10% growth in real GSDP for three consecutive years post-pandemic. Its economy has grown from ₹29,508 crore in 2018 to nearly ₹60,000 crore in FY 2024–25, with the State targeting a GSDP of ₹1.35 lakh crore by 2032. Meghalaya’s infrastructure expansion over the past several years have also seen a significant growth.

Meghalaya’s growing profile in tourism, sports and the creative economy was also in spotlight. State’s Living Root Bridges are India’s sole nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2026, while Shillong continues to gain prominence as a major music and tourism destination in the country, with its identity getting synonymous to India’s Music Capital. Notably, Meghalaya is also set to host the 39th National Games in 2027.

The upcoming summit is expected to witness participation from key Union Ministries including Road Transport & Highways, Civil Aviation, Tourism, Communications, Ports & Shipping, Commerce & Industry and MDoNER. Union Ministers expected to participate include Shri Nitin Gadkari, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Shri Avinash Joshi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, stated that the summit would open “immense opportunity” for all stakeholders, while highlighting the unique strengths and investment potential of all eight Northeastern states. Highlighting the Ministry of Food Processing Industries’ support for the Northeast, he spoke about initiatives such as the Mega Food Park Scheme and assistance for medium, small and micro food processing enterprises. Stressing the importance of value addition to the region’s unique products, he said the Ministry is extending support through infrastructure, incubation, startups and handholding initiatives, and looked forward to “very big and positive participation” in the summit.

Shri Sanjay Goyal, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Government of Meghalaya and Chair, Organising Committee , NEIINFRA said the strong participation at the curtain raiser reflected the growing national interest in the Northeast and its emerging role in India’s growth story, while highlighting Meghalaya’s transformation under Shri Conrad K. Sangma into one of the country’s fastest-growing and most investor-friendly states. He invited industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders to Shillong for the Northeast India Infrastructure Summit 2026 to explore opportunities across infrastructure, tourism, food processing, renewable energy, and logistics.

Shri Bajrang Lohia, President, FINER, lauded Shri Conrad K. Sangma for his visionary leadership in bringing all eight Northeastern states together through the Northeast India Infrastructure Summit 2026. He also highlighted Meghalaya’s key role in positioning the Northeast as a fast-transforming hub for infrastructure and investment.

Organised by FINER in association with Build India Foundation and supported by multiple Union Ministries and sectoral partners, NEIINFRA 2026 is expected to serve as a major platform for showcasing infrastructure opportunities and investment potential across the Northeast.