Infrastructure – Meghalaya Highlights Investment Push Ahead of Northeast Summit
Infrastructure – Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma presented an ambitious vision for the state’s economic and infrastructure growth during the curtain raiser event for the North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition 2026 held in New Delhi on Friday.
The two-day summit is scheduled to take place in Shillong on June 11 and 12 and is expected to bring together more than 800 participants from across the country. The gathering will include Union ministers, chief ministers from Northeastern states, policymakers, investors, banking representatives, and infrastructure companies to discuss connectivity projects, industrial opportunities, and regional economic expansion.
Meghalaya Emphasises Rapid Economic Growth
Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Sangma said Meghalaya has witnessed strong economic progress over the last few years. According to him, the state’s economy has doubled within five years, while capital expenditure has increased nearly four times since 2018.
The chief minister dismissed concerns regarding the pace of Meghalaya’s economic performance and maintained that the state’s Gross Domestic Product continues to grow steadily due to rising investments and development activities. He noted that infrastructure creation and policy reforms have played a key role in boosting growth across sectors.
Focus on Investor-Friendly Policies
Sangma also highlighted the Meghalaya Industrial Promotion Policy, which aims to attract new businesses and encourage entrepreneurship within the state. He said the government has introduced several incentives designed to support investors and simplify the business environment.
During his address, the chief minister stated that Meghalaya has repeatedly received recognition for maintaining one of the most supportive ecosystems for entrepreneurs among smaller Indian states. He added that the administration is focused on creating long-term employment opportunities while strengthening local industries.
Women Entrepreneurs Driving Business Growth
The event also placed attention on the growing role of women-led enterprises in Meghalaya’s economy. Sangma said nearly 3,000 of the state’s 5,000 registered entrepreneurs are women, describing their contribution as an important factor in the state’s expanding business landscape.
He noted that women entrepreneurs are increasingly participating in sectors such as food processing, tourism, handicrafts, retail, and technology services. According to him, government-backed support programmes and easier access to financing have helped encourage greater participation from women across urban and rural areas.
Expansion Plans for Information Technology Sector
Highlighting developments in the digital sector, Sangma said Meghalaya’s first information technology park has already reached full occupancy. He further revealed that a second IT park under development has received strong interest from both national and international companies.
The chief minister said the state government plans to build additional IT infrastructure in the coming years to generate more employment opportunities for young professionals. He added that the changing perception of Meghalaya and the wider Northeast region has helped attract fresh investment interest from private companies.
Sangma credited the Centre’s Act East Policy for accelerating development initiatives across the Northeast. He said the policy has improved connectivity, encouraged investment, and strengthened economic integration between the region and the rest of the country.
Centre Reaffirms Support for Northeast Infrastructure
Also addressing the gathering, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary at the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, praised Meghalaya’s recent development initiatives. He said the central government remains committed to supporting infrastructure-led growth and improving regional connectivity.
Jaju noted that coordinated efforts between state governments and the Centre are helping create better opportunities for trade, tourism, transport, and industrial investment across the Northeast. He also stressed the importance of sustained infrastructure development in strengthening the region’s economic future.
The upcoming summit in Shillong is expected to serve as a major platform for discussions on investment partnerships, connectivity projects, and long-term growth strategies for Northeastern India.