Guwahati, September 5, 2025: Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Thursday announced that the government has significantly stepped up investment in the Northeast, with budget allocations rising by 153 per cent since 2014-15 and over ₹1.45 lakh crore already channelled into infrastructure projects under the PM Gati Shakti scheme.

He was addressing the inaugural session of the North East Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation-cum-3rd North East Aviation Summit in Itanagar. The minister underlined that the summit has become a vital platform for shaping policy and forging partnerships to expand connectivity across the region.

In a major announcement, Naidu said the UDAN scheme will be extended for another 10 years in a revised form, offering long-term stability to airlines and states. To address the pressing challenge of connectivity in the Northeast, he added that heliports would be developed in every district under the new UDAN framework.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, welcoming the initiative, highlighted that the region has experienced “unprecedented development” over the past 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He further revealed that Arunachal Pradesh will soon have two new airports, while urging continued support and technical guidance from the Civil Aviation Ministry.

The daylong summit has drawn participation from civil aviation ministers, senior officials, industry leaders, and policymakers from all northeastern states. Discussions are focusing on airport infrastructure, helicopter and small aircraft services, opportunities in seaplanes and drones, as well as strengthening maintenance and general aviation facilities.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and FICCI, with support from the Arunachal Pradesh government, this is the first time the state is hosting the prestigious aviation summit.