Budget Reactions from Mr. Sumit Mitruka, Founder and CEO, Summit Hotels and Resorts

“Improved high-speed rail connectivity to Siliguri is a landmark step for the Northeast, with the potential to fundamentally reshape how the region is discovered and experienced. Though bullet train, faster and more reliable access will reduce travel fatigue, encourage longer stays, and make destinations across Sikkim, North Bengal and the wider Northeast more attractive for both domestic and international travellers. For the hospitality sector, this means stronger seasonality balance, improved viability for off-beat locations, and greater confidence for long-term investment in responsible tourism infrastructure.

Equally significant is the announcement around the development of new trekking routes. The Northeast has some of India’s most pristine landscapes, but much of this potential has remained untapped due to limited access and fragmented planning. Structured trekking corridors, developed with safety, sustainability and local participation at the core, can unlock high-value experiential tourism while preserving ecological integrity. Well-planned trails will generate livelihoods for local guides, porters and homestay owners, while also dispersing tourist footfall beyond a few overcrowded destinations.

Together, high-speed connectivity and curated adventure tourism create a powerful ecosystem, one that supports regional economies, promotes cultural exchange, and positions the Northeast as a year-round experiential destination rather than a seasonal getaway.”

Mr. Sumit Mitruka, Founder & CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the publication or its editorial team