New Delhi, December 04: Boosting the infrastructure of Northeast, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday inaugurated a major national highway project in Nagaland and laid the foundation stone for 14 others projects with a total length of about 266 KM and cost of about Rs 4127 crore.

 

 

After the inauguration and laying the foundation stones to these 15 highway projects, Union Minister Gadkari said the government is committed to the progress of the Northeast region especially the state of Nagaland. Stating that Nagaland has tremendous potential for minerals, pineapples, and bamboos, the Union Minister expressed hope that the state will plant industries by using the raw materials available in the state and create more employment opportunities for the youth of Nagaland.

 

The Minister said that almost all districts in Nagaland now have been connected except a few, to a robust network of National Highways. He said, the NH network density now is 93.30 km/ 1000 sq km against the National average of 39.90 km/1000 sq km. The population-wise density of the NH network in the State is 77.73km / Lakh population against the national average of 10.80 km / Lakh population.

 

 

 

 

The total length of highways involved in the ceremony stands at 270 kilometers and includes a project to provide alternate access from Imphal to Dimapur and connect Kohima to the Phek district and Myanmar border, besides improving transportation between Dimapur and other districts.

 

Gadkari requested the Chief Minister to urgently send the estimates for Land and Damage Compensation in respect of Kohima Bypass. He also informed that NHIDCL has taken up 2-laning of Kohima-Mao road in Nagaland, and the civil work has already been awarded on 30.09.2020.

 

 

These National Highway projects will generate huge employment as well as self-employment opportunities as well as these national highway projects will boost the socio-economic progress of the northeastern state. The improvement of the city portion of Dimapur City on NH-39 will enable the local populace of Dimapur city to avail of efficient facilities. The launching of these projects will greatly benefit the state by generating employment and self-employment opportunities, easy access for availing health care and emergency services, boost socio-economic progress and also enhance economic relations with other neighboring states.