Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has called for increased fiscal support and major infrastructure projects for the state during an interaction with chief ministers of northeastern states convened by NITI Aayog in New Delhi on Friday.
Development Priorities Highlighted
Rio underscored Nagaland's development priorities, noting that despite significant progress over the past two decades, the state continues to grapple with 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 backing for annual special grants during the commission's award period to ensure fiscal sustainability and continuity of essential public services.
Connectivity Projects Sought
Emphasising connectivity as a key driver of economic transformation, Rio sought support for the foothill road (trans-Nagaland Highway), strengthening of air connectivity through 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.
Urban Infrastructure and Education
He also requested assistance for major urban infrastructure projects, including the construction of flyovers and elevated corridors in Dimapur, Kohima, and Chumoukedima to address growing traffic congestion and urbanization challenges. Further, Rio sought support for establishing an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Nagaland and strengthening tertiary healthcare infrastructure, including financial assistance for the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kohima.
Nagaki City and Other Initiatives
Highlighting the proposed Nagaki City in Chumoukedima district as a major economic transformation initiative, Rio sought special consideration for developing core infrastructure to facilitate investment and accelerate implementation of the project. He also sought support for expanding coffee cultivation, promoting agarwood-based livelihoods, implementing hydroelectric projects, and enhancing sports infrastructure and youth development programmes across the state.
