Union Minister for Communication and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Friday unveiled a significant development package for Nagaland, inaugurating and launching projects totally over Rs 645 crores across critical sectors.
The day saw the inauguration of five completed projects worth over ₹202 crore and the laying of foundation stones for eleven new initiatives of about ₹443 crore. The event was held at Multipurpose Hall, Phezou Resort, Tuophema, in the presence of Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang.
Five projects were inaugurated across the Power, School Education, and PWD (R&B) departments. Under the Power Department, the up-gradation of the 132 kV sub-station at Nagarjan, Dimapur, funded at ₹24.46 crore, has been completed to enhance power transformation capacity. Under the School Education Department, two projects were inaugurated- the In-Service Teachers Training-cum-Examination Centre with residential facilities costing ₹20 crore, and the implementation of IT infrastructure in 190 schools across Nagaland at a cost of ₹18.95 crore. Under PWD (R&B), two major road projects were completed: the up-gradation of the Chendang Saddle–Noklak Road at ₹45.59 crore and the improvement of AT Road from Tsusangra to Impur Junction, including bridges, at a cost of ₹93.98 crore.
Foundation stones of eleven new projects were also laid across the Health & Family Welfare, Youth Resources & Sports, IT & Communication, Power, and PWD (R&B) departments. Under Health & Family Welfare, foundation stones were laid for the Multi-speciality Hospital at Chümoukedima costing ₹58.72 crore and the 50-bedded hospital at the new Peren District Headquarters at ₹44.65 crore. Under Youth Resources & Sports, the Kohima Multi-disciplinary Sports Centre at the IG Stadium complex will be constructed at a cost of ₹72.59 crore. Under IT & Communication, the Nagaland Innovation Hub for Startups, sanctioned at ₹19.57 crore, aims to boost entrepreneurship and digital innovation. Under the Power Department, the 1.5 MW Dzuna Small Hydro Project, costing ₹22.80 crore, will enhance renewable energy capacity. Under PWD (R&B), seven major road projects totalling over ₹225 crore were launched, including those connecting Jalukie to the New DC Complex Township, Old Peren via Chalkot Junction, Phomching HQ to Longding HQ, Thizama to Chiethu Airport, Khonoma to NH-29, and Coco Road Emlomi to Ghukiye Junction.
In his address, Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia highlighted the long-standing relationship of his family’s second generation with the region, stating he received extraordinary love and warmth from the people of Nagaland. He said it took him back to childhood memories of his father’s visit to Nagaland in 1992. He mentioned that upon reaching the village and being dressed in traditional attire by the elders, leaders, and the Chief Minister, he was taken back to the memory lane of his father’s visit.
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He mentioned that he brought his son and others to feel the richness, vibrancy, and culture of Nagaland and thanked Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity.
Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s transformative vision for the Northeast, Scindia noted that the renewed thrust on the Act East Policy has accelerated growth across the region, reshaping its development trajectory and creating unprecedented momentum in infrastructure building—from connectivity and healthcare to innovation and youth development.
Highlighting transformative development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Minister said that the number of airports in the Northeast has grown from nine to seventeen over the past eleven years, while weekly air traffic movements have increased from 900 to over 2,000. He added that ₹6.02 lakh crore has been invested across the Northeast through 52 Union ministries, while Nagaland’s tax devolution has risen from ₹5,505 crore to ₹37,000 crore, and grant-in-aid has nearly doubled to ₹65,000 crore.
Describing the Northeast as the engine of India, Scindia said the region is growing at 10 to 13 percent annually, well above the national average, due to stable leadership across the states. He also announced the formation of eight high-level task forces, each chaired by a Chief Minister or Governor, to prepare a unified vision for the region.
Scindia further announced plans to work with Nagaland on the Dimapur-Kohima-Kisama-Dzükou tourism circuit, which would join similar circuits recently launched in Meghalaya and Tripura. He praised the rising success of Naga Coffee, and pledged full support to promote it as a global brand. Reaffirming his commitment, he said that the government will stand with Nagaland and the Northeast to build a bright future for all.
Scindia emphasized that Nagaland’s young and aspirational population has the potential to drive not only the state’s progress but also contribute significantly to India’s overall growth story. He added that several more projects were already in the pipeline and would be advanced in close coordination with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, further strengthening development initiatives across the state.
He said he was amazed by the vibrancy of the state, from the misty hills to each of the single morungs, which speak of the generations that came before us. He referenced the Hornbill Festival and the stone-pulling ceremony, stating that in its richness stands diversity and vivacity. He noted that every culture across the world looks to preserve its own, and that preservation comes in the form of art, rituals, and the erection of monuments and the stone-pulling ceremony that morning was a combination of all three elements.
He said it is the coming together of a culture, physical forms of human beings in one voice and one heart, and that represents ceremony. It is the commemoration of those who contributed before us, making it permanent. It is the vibrancy of what is current becoming permanent, and even the seeding of the future, which the stone ceremony represents.
He also admired the diversity of the state, from Khonoma Green Village to Dzükou Valley, etc., each and every one shaped by history. He said this is the opportunity they look at when they lay a foundation stone or inaugurate schemes; they are exploring and laying a path for the future. He also highlighted that the youths are overflowing with aspiration.
“…it is a celebration of progress,” says Rio
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio mentioned that today’s occasion is not only the launch of new projects—it is also a celebration of the progress collectively achieved under various flagship schemes of MDoNER, including NESIDS-OTRI, NESIDS-Roads, PM-DevINE, and other critical interventions. These initiatives have accelerated infrastructure development across Nagaland, strengthened infrastructure, improved connectivity, improved access to essential services, and created new economic opportunities for the people.
Rio mentioned that the consistent support of the Ministry has been instrumental in shaping a more robust, inclusive, and sustainable development pathway for the State.
He said that through the dedicated efforts under MDoNER schemes, Nagaland has witnessed remarkable improvements in roads, bridges, water supply systems, educational and health institutions, and livelihood-enhancing facilities. These interventions have not only addressed long-standing infrastructural gaps but have also strengthened digital infrastructure, expanded opportunities for youth empowerment, and reinforced the confidence of citizens that development is reaching even the remotest corners of the State, he said.
He expressed sincere gratitude to the Union Minister for his visionary leadership in constituting the High-Level Task Forces (HLTFs) for the North Eastern Region. These HLTFs, covering key sectors such as Handlooms & Handicrafts, investment promotion, and other priority areas, reflect a clear and committed roadmap for the holistic and all-round development of the North Eastern Region.
He stated it is a matter of great honour for Nagaland that he has been entrusted as the Convenor of the HLTF on Handlooms & Handicrafts, and said he deeply values the confidence the Minister has placed in them.
“We fully trust his initiatives and are confident that these focused and collaborative efforts will drive meaningful progress and help the North Eastern Region achieve parity with the rest of the States of the country,” he stated.
He highlighted that Nagaland’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is its high-quality coffee, which is rapidly gaining recognition for its exceptional flavour and distinct character, supported by the State’s favourable climate and growing global demand. He said the sector is gaining strong momentum, with many young entrepreneurs driving innovation and expanding production.
Today, Nagaland coffee is not only recognized nationally but is also making its mark globally, with exports reaching South Africa, the European Union, the Middle East, and other foreign countries, he said adding, this growing success reflects the immense potential of Nagaland coffee to showcase the State’s agricultural strength and establish a strong presence on the global stage.
He said the State Government fully trusts the Ministry of DoNER and the Government of India in guiding the development trajectory of the North Eastern Region. He said they remain committed to working hand in hand with the Ministry to realise the shared vision of balanced, equitable, and transformative growth. To this end, he assured that the State Government is making concerted efforts to expedite and resolve all pending projects and ensure their timely completion.
“They have strengthened monitoring mechanisms, streamlined administrative processes, and intensified coordination with implementing agencies to address outstanding issues efficiently. These measures are yielding tangible progress and they remain fully committed to upholding the confidence that the Ministry has placed in them,” he said.
Rio also said, “As we inaugurate and lay foundations for these important projects today, we do so with hope, determination, and a shared commitment to transforming Nagaland. These initiatives will continue to enhance connectivity, improve service delivery, generate livelihoods, and uplift the quality of life of our citizens.”
On behalf of the people of Nagaland, the Chief Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Union Minister and the Ministry of DoNER for their unwavering support. He mentioned that together they would continue to work for the holistic and all-round development of Nagaland and the entire North Eastern Region.
The program was chaired by Chief Secretary Sentiyanger, IAS. Deputy Chief Minister (Planning & Transformation and National Highways, Nagaland) TR Zeliang delivered the welcome address.
