Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has sought enhanced fiscal support and key infrastructure projects for the state during an interaction with chief ministers of northeastern states convened by NITI Aayog in New Delhi on Friday.
Highlighting Nagaland’s key development priorities, Rio stated that despite significant progress over the past two decades, the state continues to face fiscal and infrastructural challenges as a resource-constrained, revenue-deficit state.
He expressed concern over the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants under the 16th Finance Commission and requested NITI Aayog’s support for the provision of annual Special Grants during the Commission’s award period to ensure fiscal sustainability and continuity of essential public services.
Highlighting connectivity as a key driver of economic transformation, Rio sought support for the Foothill Road (Trans-Nagaland Highway), strengthening air connectivity through the development of short landing strips at strategic locations, extension of the Dimapur–Zubza railway line up to Kohima, early sanction of the Dimapur–Tizit railway project, and development of inland waterways in the state.
He also sought support for major urban infrastructure projects, including the construction of flyovers and elevated corridors in Dimapur, Kohima, and Chümoukedima to address growing traffic congestion and urbanisation challenges.
Further, Rio requested support for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Nagaland and strengthening of tertiary healthcare infrastructure in the state.
He also sought financial assistance for the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kohima.
Highlighting the proposed Nagaki City in Chümoukedima district as a major economic transformation initiative, Rio sought special consideration for the development of core infrastructure to facilitate investment and accelerate implementation of the project.
He also sought support for the expansion of coffee cultivation, promotion of agarwood-based livelihoods, implementation of hydroelectric projects, and enhancement of sports infrastructure and youth development programmes across the state.