North East offers vast opportunities but needs strong infrastructure: Vaibhav Dange, Build India Foundation CEO
Shillong, June 15
While all North Eastern states have plenty of opportunities in tourism and mineral mining sector, the region requires a very strong infrastructure, said Vaibhav Dange, CEO, Build India Foundation.
While speaking to ANI at the North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026, in Shillong, Meghalaya, Dange said, "All eight states in the Northeast have an abundance of opportunities in terms of tourism and mineral mining," adding that a "collective approach is required for the region's growth and development."
According to Dange, a strong infrastructure remains the very basic foundation for unlocking the region's economic potential. "A very strong infrastructure is a basic requirement for the North East," he noted.
Highlighting the strong response to the summit, Dange said over 1,200 delegates had registered for the event.
"The response has been overwhelming, and this is because of the phenomenal support given by the host state government of Meghalaya," he said.
He further added that registrations had to be closed ahead of schedule due to capacity constraints. "We stopped registration two days back because we are absolutely out of capacity," he said.
The North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 unites policymakers, industry leaders and investors to explore infrastructure and industrial opportunities across Northeast India.
Earlier in a separate development, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas signed an MoU with Assam and Nagaland to boost the country's domestic oil and gas exploration. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri shared the development via his social media account, stating the region is ready to boost India's next chapter of energy journey.
"The North East gave birth to India's petroleum industry; today, it stands ready to power the next chapter of India's energy journey as Nagaland will produce oil and gas again after 31 years," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see the Ministry of Petroleum signing MoUs with Assam and Nagaland—our oil exploration started in the Northeast, so it's fitting that we return there for energy security. But I hope environmental clearances are handled properly; the forests there are precious.
The infrastructure in Northeast is really a challenge—I visited Shillong last year and the roads were bumpy, internet was patchy. But the potential is massive! Tourism, bamboo products, organic farming, handicrafts… the government should connect these states better with the rest of India. Build highways, railways, and digital infrastructure first!
As someone who works in infrastructure consulting, I find the response of 1,200 delegates impressive. The Northeast is India's gateway to Southeast Asia—connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway could transform trade. But local communities must benefit too, not just big investors.
I appreciate the effort, but let's be honest—summits happen every year, but ground reality lags. The Northeast still faces neglect in railway connectivity, broadband access, and basic healthcare infrastructure. We need more than just MoUs; we need execution timelines and accountability. 🙏
North East is like India's hidden gem—pristine landscapes, unique cultures, and mineral wealth. But poor infrastructure keeps it isolated. If we build airports in every state capital and improve road connectivity, tourism will explode. Also, security in border areas needs attention.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.