A series of development initiatives under the Ministry of DoNER were inaugurated and foundation stones laid at the Multipurpose Hall, Phezou Resort, Tuophema on 5th December 2025. Union Minister of Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, launched multiple projects aimed at boosting connectivity and regional transformation. The Union Minister inaugurated and launched major development projects across multiple departments amounting to ₹646.39 crore, signaling a significant push toward strengthening infrastructure, public services, and connectivity in the state.
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.
Union Minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia delivering his address, described his two-day stay in Nagaland as both official and deeply personal. Speaking at a public programme in Tuophema, he recalled the visitation of his late father in 1992 and said that being dressed in Naga attire by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio earlier in the day revived memories from more than 30 years ago and deepened his emotional connection. Scindia thanked the people of Nagaland for their warmth, hospitality and cultural vibrancy, saying that his experience over the past 36 hours made him feel blessed to serve the eight states of the Northeast. He emphasized that the region is no longer the last frontier, but the first frontier of India, serving as the gateway to Southeast Asia with immense economic and tourism potential.
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 will 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.
Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, in his address, said the event marked not just the launch of new projects but also a celebration of progress achieved under flagship schemes such as NESIDS-OTRI, NESIDS-Roads, PM-DevINE and other major interventions. He said these initiatives have significantly improved infrastructure, connectivity, essential services and livelihood opportunities across the state. He expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for the creation of the High-Level Task Forces for the Northeast and said he was honoured to be appointed Convenor of the Task Force on Handlooms & Handicrafts. He added that the focused approach would further accelerate holistic development in the region.
Highlighting the growing prominence of Naga Coffee, the Chief Minister said the state’s high-quality coffee has gained global recognition, with exports to South Africa, the EU, the Middle East and other markets. He said the sector, driven largely by young entrepreneurs, holds strong potential to enhance the state’s agricultural profile. He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to expediting pending projects, strengthening monitoring mechanisms and ensuring timely completion of all developmental works under the Ministry of DoNER.
Also inaugurated during the occasion, was the Regional Craft and Resource Centre at Tuophema by Union Minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio. Deputy Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang delivered the welcome address, while Chief Secretary, Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, chaired the programme. A host of Ministers, Advisors and other dignitaries attended the programme.
(DPRO Kohima)
