North East summit drew Rs.4.49 lcr investments
Accelerated approvals have been granted to Shillong Airport Expansion, alternative alignment to NH-10 in Sikkim, and Kailashahar Airport Development in Tripura, said the Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MoDNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia after chairing a Joint Media Briefing on 17 Oct https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
These are three main projects in the major infrastructure development underway in the region, he said after a review of ‘One Year Achievements (August 2024 – September 2025) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region’.
Scindia highlighted the strong investment momentum generated during the year. The Rising North East Investors Summit 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in May 2025, and related events witnessed participation from eight Chief Ministers, eight Union Ministers, over 100 Ambassadors, and 108 PSUs, resulting in Rs.4.48 lakh crore worth of investment commitments—a historic milestone for the region, he said.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, held on 6th-8th Dec 2024, secured Rs.2,326 crore in investment leads, while the North East Banker’s Conclave in Agartala, held in December 2024, led to commitments for 51 new bank branches, expanded ATM networks, and enhanced MSME credit access http://commerce.gov.in.
More than 5,300 MSMEs were supported and Rs.766 crore was mobilized for start-ups and enterprises, furthering financial inclusion and entrepreneurship, he added.
He further highlighted MDoNER’s efforts to position the Northeast as a global tourism and cultural destination through a unified Brand Northeast strategy. Each state has identified unique products and experiences—such as Muga Silk of Assam, Lakadong Turmeric of Meghalaya, Polo from Manipur, Organic Farming from Sikkim, and Queen Pineapple of Tripura—to promote its identity https://www.bseindia.com/.
Eight iconic tourism destinations, including Kaziranga, Ziro, Sohra, Thenzawl, Matabari, Kisama, Namchi, and Moirang, are being developed as world-class attractions under public-private partnerships. Homestay and eco-tourism models have expanded across states, contributing to a 45% rise in rural incomes and fostering sustainable livelihoods https://www.nseindia.com/.
On the importance of improving connectivity to fully realize the tourism potential, Scindia mentioned the remarkable progress made during the last 11 years.
“As compared to just 9 airports in 8 NE States, with no airports in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, the number has now increased to 17, with 4 airports in Arunachal Pradesh alone. As regards rail connectivity, all the NE States will be connected by the year 2029,” he said https://sbi.com.in/.
“We are also progressing with the Kaladan and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway projects to connect the NE region with the rest of the world. The region is emerging as the gateway of India rather than being the last frontier,” he said.
Scindia also underlined the government’s efforts to diversify the Northeast’s economy through industry-led agri-horti value chain development. The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm has brought over 68,000 hectares under cultivation with 47 nurseries and five seed gardens established http://mdoner.gov.in.
The Agarwood sector has seen a six-fold increase in export quota and operationalization of an export facilitation portal in collaboration with DGFT, with GI registration currently underway. The bamboo sector, with 22 projects worth Rs.126.7 crore, has trained 2,587 artisans and launched Amazon-linked market access models, integrating traditional crafts with global markets. “These interventions are creating jobs, strengthening exports, and enhancing rural entrepreneurship,” said the Minister. Fiinews.com
