Dimapur: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio has sought enhanced fiscal support and key infrastructure projects for the state during an interaction with CMs of the northeastern states convened by NITI Aayog in New Delhi on Friday.Highlighting Nagaland’s development priorities, Rio said 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 annual special grants during the commission’s award period to ensure fiscal sustainability and continuity of essential public services.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.He also sought 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 requested 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.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.
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