Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on June 16 announced plans to establish at least one heliport in every district of the Northeast, saying the region is emerging as one of the fastest-growing parts of the country amid rapid improvements in connectivity and infrastructure.
Addressing the second day of the North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (NEIINFRA) 2026 virtually, Naidu said the region had registered a GDP growth rate of 13 per cent, which he described as twice the national average. He remarked that the Northeast was evolving from the “abode of clouds” into the “abode of opportunities” due to sustained investments in infrastructure.
The minister highlighted the increase in operational airports across the region, ongoing upgrades at Shillong Airport and the forthcoming operationalisation of Tura Airport in Meghalaya. He said the proposed district-wise heliport network under the revamped UDAN scheme would strengthen last-mile connectivity, promote tourism and generate fresh economic opportunities.
“The time has now come for all of us to collectively change the narrative from ‘Why North East?’ to ‘Why not North East?’,” Naidu said.
The announcements came as the two-day NEIINFRA 2026 summit concluded in Shillong after deliberations on infrastructure, tourism, green energy, startups and emerging technologies. Organised by the Meghalaya government in collaboration with the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North East Region (FINER) and the Build India Foundation, the event brought together policymakers, investors and industry leaders from across the country.
The concluding day also featured awards for exhibitors across various categories. In the MSME segment, Dak-ti Craft received the top honour for display and engagement, while Naira Travels and Nela Handlooms were recognised for their exhibition presence. Among the major exhibitors, Jubilant eSport and Allied Safety Equipment were honoured for their showcases, while Canboo emerged as the Champion Exhibitor, securing the summit’s highest recognition.
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the Northeast had become a region of opportunity and strategic importance, supported by more than ₹6 lakh crore in public development expenditure over the past decade. He said investments in roads, railways and digital infrastructure had laid the foundation for the region to emerge as a hub for trade, logistics, tourism, education and innovation.
“The future of India’s growth story cannot be complete without the northeastern states,” Shekhawat said, adding that the region was increasingly being viewed as an economic gateway connecting India with Southeast Asia.
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said the state was now focusing not only on infrastructure development but also on industrial growth and employment generation. He described tourism as a major growth engine and termed Meghalaya one of the safest destinations in the country.
Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed called for greater investment in tourism infrastructure and proposed extending Meghalaya’s homestay subsidy model to other northeastern states to strengthen community-based tourism and improve livelihoods. Meghalaya Public Works Department Commissioner and Secretary Sanjay Goyal stressed that stronger cooperation among the northeastern states would be vital to unlocking the region’s economic potential.
The summit also witnessed the release of the Vision Report 2047 (Ashtalakshmi), which outlines a long-term roadmap for the development of the eight northeastern states. A Tourism Infrastructure Report and a Knowledge Report focusing on industrial development, aviation and airport infrastructure were also unveiled.
The event followed the announcement of a ₹39,800-crore infrastructure package for Meghalaya on the opening day and attracted more than 1,500 delegates representing all eight northeastern states, industry stakeholders and several Union ministries.
