Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Thursday strongly pitched for enhanced central support to address the State’s fiscal challenges and accelerate infrastructure development, while outlining an ambitious roadmap for achieving the vision of Viksit Nagaland @2047 during the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in Shillong.
Presenting Nagaland’s developmental priorities before the Council, Rio highlighted a series of critical initiatives spanning connectivity, transport, education, healthcare, urban infrastructure, agriculture and economic transformation, while urging the Government of India to extend special financial assistance to the State.
Highlighting that Nagaland was facing severe fiscal strain following the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants under the 16th Finance Commission, Rio said it was a serious challenge for the state and appealed to the Centre for annual special grants during the award period to safeguard fiscal stability and ensure uninterrupted governance and delivery of essential public services.
Rio reiterated the State Government’s push for the construction of the proposed 364-km Trans-Nagaland Highway (Foothill Road) describing it as a critical infrastructure project with the potential to transform economic activity, improve connectivity and enhance access to essential services across seven districts of the State. He sought support from the Centre for land compensation requirements to facilitate declaration of the road as a National Highway.
Highlighting the need for improved air connectivity, Rio pointed out that Kohima remains the only State capital in the country without an operational airport. He informed the gathering that the State is pursuing a phased strategy involving development of smaller airstrips at Ciethu, Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang while continuing efforts toward establishing a full-fledged airport at Ciethu in the future.
On education and healthcare infrastructure, Rio informed that the State Government would soon submit a proposal for establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at the proposed Nagaki City in Chümoukedima district. He also reiterated the State’s proposal for establishment of a greenfield AIIMS in Nagaland while seeking support for strengthening and upgrading the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), Kohima.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the proposal for development of Nagaki City, a proposed 39 sq km greenfield incubation city in Chathe Valley envisioned as a future hub for education, healthcare, innovation and economic growth. He said the city would host major institutions including the proposed IIT and AIIMS and sought central support for creating core infrastructure.
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Calling for enhanced railway connectivity, Rio sought extension of the Dimapur-Kohima railway project beyond Zubza into Kohima city and eventually towards Imphal, while also advocating for prioritization of the long-pending Dimapur–Tizit railway line project.
The Chief Minister further underlined the importance of urban infrastructure development, proposing flyovers and elevated corridors in Kohima, Dimapur and Chümoukedima to address increasing traffic congestion alongside investments in strengthening power transmission infrastructure and hydropower development.
On economic development, Rio stressed the importance of diversifying agriculture through expansion of plantation crops including coffee and agarwood. He stated that the State aims to expand coffee cultivation from 12,000 hectares to 50,000 hectares by 2047 while promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities through agri-allied sectors.
Concluding his address, Rio reaffirmed Nagaland’s commitment to contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and stressed that investments in infrastructure, connectivity, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and sustainable economic development would remain central to the State’s growth strategy.
He said Nagaland is determined to build a self-reliant, inclusive and prosperous future through strong regional cooperation and continued partnership with the Government of India.
Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, and Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner Kikheto Sema, IAS, also attended the plenary session.
