Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio outlined the state's strategic development agenda during the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council in Shillong. His presentation focused on long-term economic transformation to meet the vision of Viksit Nagaland 2047, while highlighting urgent fiscal and infrastructure needs.
Rio warned that Nagaland faces significant financial pressure after the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants by the 16th Finance Commission. To maintain public services, he urged the central government to provide annual special grants. He noted that the state is facing a "serious fiscal challenge" and requires this support to ensure stability and continuity in governance.
Connectivity remains a top priority for the state government. Rio advocated for the 364-km Trans-Nagaland Highway, known as the Foothill Road, requesting central assistance for land compensation to help designate it as a national highway. He also addressed the lack of air travel access, noting that Kohima remains the only state capital in India without an operational airport. The state is currently pursuing a strategy to develop smaller airstrips at Ciethu, Mokokchung, Mon, and Tuensang.
The Chief Minister detailed plans for Nagaki City, a 39-square-kilometer greenfield hub in the Chathe Valley. This site is intended to serve as a center for education and innovation, potentially hosting a new Indian Institute of Technology and an AIIMS facility. Furthermore, he proposed expanding the Dimapur-Kohima railway line toward Imphal and prioritized the development of the Dimapur-Tizit line to improve regional transit.
Comments