SHILLONG, June 16: Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday announced plans to develop at least one heliport in every district across the Northeast to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and support the regional economy.
Speaking on the second day of the North East Infrastructure Summit (NEIINFRA 2026) here, the Union Minister also confirmed the upcoming operationalisation of Tura Airport and major infrastructure upgrades at Shillong Airport. He further highlighted the new UDAN scheme as a primary driver for linking local communities across the region.
In his keynote address, Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that the Northeast has transitioned from a region of uncertainty to one of growth. He noted that over Rs 6 lakh crore has been spent on public development over the past decade, including significant investments in roads, railways, and digital connectivity. Shekhawat described the region as a strategic economic corridor connecting India with Southeast Asia.
The summit saw the release of the Vision Report 2047 (Ashtalakshmi), which outlines a roadmap for regional prosperity, alongside the Tourism Infrastructure Report and a Knowledge Report focusing on industrial and aviation development.
The event concluded with awards presented to standout exhibitors. In the MSME category, Dak-ti Craft, Naira Travels, and Nela Handlooms were recognised for their displays. In the Main Exhibitors category, Jubilant eSport and Allied Safety Equipment received top honours, while Canboo was named Champion Exhibitor for overall excellence.
