Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said Nagaland is facing a serious fiscal challenge following the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants under the 16th Finance Commission and urged the Centre to provide annual special grants to ensure fiscal stability.
Addressing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Rio said special assistance from the Government of India would be necessary during the Finance Commission award period to maintain governance and essential public service delivery.
The Chief Minister made the appeal while presenting Nagaland’s developmental priorities and key policy interventions under the vision of Viksit Nagaland @2047.
Rio said continued central support would be crucial for sustaining development programs and ensuring fiscal stability in the State.
Rio pushes Foothill Road, seeks National Highway status
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio also reiterated Nagaland’s demand for the proposed 364-km Trans-Nagaland Highway, commonly known as the Foothill Road, describing it as a transformative project with the potential to reshape the State’s economy and connectivity.
Addressing the 73rd NEC Plenary Session in Shillong on Thursday, Rio said the road would improve connectivity, facilitate economic activity and enhance access to essential services across seven districts of Nagaland.
He sought support from the Centre towards land compensation requirements to facilitate declaration of the Foothill Road as a National Highway.
The Chief Minister described the project as one of Nagaland’s most important infrastructure priorities and said it would play a key role in achieving long-term economic growth and regional integration.
Rio pitches airstrips for Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Thursday outlined Nagaland’s air connectivity plans, stating that the State is pursuing development of airstrips at Ciethu, Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang while continuing efforts to establish a full-fledged airport at Ciethu.
Rio pointed out that Kohima remains the only State capital in the country without an operational airport.
He said the State Government is adopting a phased strategy to improve air connectivity and enhance access to remote districts.
The proposal forms part of Nagaland’s broader infrastructure and connectivity agenda under the vision of Viksit Nagaland @2047.
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Rio also 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.
Nagaland aims to expand coffee cultivation to 50,000 hectares by 2047
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.
Nagaland to propose IIT at Nagaki City; Rio reiterates AIIMS demand
The Nagaland Government will soon submit a proposal for establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at the proposed Nagaki City in Chümoukedima district, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio announced on Thursday.
Addressing the NEC Plenary Session in Shillong, Rio said the State has also reiterated its 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.
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The Chief Minister highlighted Nagaki City as a proposed 39 sq km greenfield incubation city in the Chathe Valley envisioned as a future hub for education, healthcare, innovation and economic growth.
According to Rio, the proposed city would host major institutions, including the proposed IIT and AIIMS, and would require central support for development of core infrastructure.
