Improved Infrastructure and Tourism in Northeast India

The development of road infrastructure, rail networks, and airports in Northeast India is significantly enhancing tourism and branded hotel room supply in the region.

Multimodal Connectivity Ecosystem

• Government initiatives focus on creating a multimodal connectivity ecosystem to reduce travel time and transportation costs.
• Infrastructure improvements include highways, airports, railway lines, and inland waterways.

Road and Railway Development

• Rapid highway development is prioritized due to the region's strategic importance.
• Travel time reductions, such as between Itanagar and Guwahati, have been achieved through new roads and highway expansions.
• Railway developments include 1,728 km of new tracks laid, significantly accelerating from previous years.

Airport Expansion

• The number of operational airports has more than doubled from nine in 2013 to 19 in 2024.
• Passenger and cargo traffic increased by 113% over the last decade, with air traffic growth of 52% in 2022 and 54% in 2023.

Tourism Statistics

• Despite infrastructure improvements, the Northeast accounted for only 0.43% of India's domestic tourist visits and 1.17% of foreign tourist visits in 2024.
• Government policy interventions are suggested to increase tourist numbers.

Branded Hotel Room Supply

• Branded hotel room supply is expected to nearly double by 2030.
• More than 3,000 new rooms are planned, with Assam receiving 2,000 rooms and Arunachal Pradesh 660 rooms.
• As of June 2025, the Northeast offers over 3,400 branded hotel keys, representing 1.7% of India's total branded inventory.

Conclusion

The Northeast is recognized for its stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and diverse culture, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking new and sustainable experiences. The region remains largely unexplored, and further tourism development is anticipated to boost its appeal and economic growth.