Shillong, June 16: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma declared that the northeast is “daring to dream” as it shapes its growth story, unveiling ambitious plans for luxury infrastructure and sports facilities during the North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition 2026.

Speaking at the Lariti Performing Centre in Shillong, Sangma announced that eight new five-star hotels are set to open in Meghalaya within the next three to four years, with agreements already signed and construction underway for four of them. He Emphasized that the state, which had no five-star hotels until recently, now has two operational, marking a significant shift in its hospitality landscape.

The chief minister also revealed that India’s largest dedicated football stadium is being built in Meghalaya, with a seating capacity of 40,000 and an investment of Rs 800 crore. The FIFA-certified facility will be capable of hosting international-level matches and is part of preparations for the National Games scheduled to be held in the state next year.

Sangma emphasized that Meghalaya’s budget has doubled in the last eight years and is projected to triple by 2028-2029, while capital expenditure on infrastructure has grown sixfold. He pointed to ongoing projects including a new assembly building, a secretariat complex, and the revival of Shillong’s airport, which is expected to begin large-scale commercial operations within the next 18 months.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and other dignitaries attended the summit, which Sangma described as a pivotal moment for the region. He urged stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the northeast continues on its trajectory of prosperity, stressing that “time is crucial” and the region must “connect the dots” to sustain growth.