Guwahati: The Union Budget 2026–27 is expected to accelerate the overall development of the Northeast and position the region as a “multi-dimensional growth engine,” the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) said on Sunday, welcoming the Centre’s focus on growth, inclusiveness and forward-looking investments.
In a statement, the North East India Regional Council of the ICC said the Budget adopts the “Ashtalakshmi development model” for the region, with targeted investments across key sectors such as connectivity, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and industrial development.
The approach, the industry body said, strengthens the Northeast’s role both as a civilisational confluence and an emerging economic hub.
The ICC welcomed the announcement to develop Buddhist circuits across six northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura—aimed at promoting the region as a major spiritual and cultural tourism destination.
It also hailed the proposed high-speed rail corridor linking Siliguri in West Bengal with Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, as well as the provision for 4,000 electric buses across the Northeast.
“The combined focus on heritage-led tourism and green infrastructure reflects a balanced and future-ready development strategy for the region,” the ICC said.
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Mahesh Saharia, chairman of the North East India Regional Council of ICC, said the 47 per cent increase in allocation for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), raising the total outlay to Rs 5,915 crore, underlined the government’s commitment to the Northeast.
Echoing similar views, Sarat Kumar Jain, chairman of the Assam and Meghalaya State Committee of ICC, described the Budget as a decisive step toward strengthening India’s economic resilience while ensuring balanced regional growth.
He also welcomed the decision to upgrade the National Mental Health Institute in Tezpur as a regional apex centre, noting that improved healthcare infrastructure would be crucial in addressing emerging public health challenges and expanding access to specialised care in the region.
