Speed up road projects for devp: Reddy

September 26, 2021 42 Views No Comment

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, SEP 26 (NPN) : Union minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of North East Region (DoNER), G. Kishan Reddy on Saturday urged the state government to accelerate road projects, asserting that road connectivity was crucial for all round development.

While assuring that the Centre was ready to provide more funds, Reddy asked the officials concern to complete the Dimapur-Kohima four lane project at the earliest.

“This road will be the game changer for Nagaland,” Reddy said this at a function at Nagaland State Cricket Stadium, Sovima, after unveiling the commemorative plaque of the road (NH-29) connecting Sovima village gate to Thahekhu village, Dimapur.

The road project was funded by DoNER ministry, under North East Special Infrastructure development Schemes (NESIDS).

Maintaining that road connectivity was crucial for Dimapur, Reddy was optimistic that the newly inaugurated road would benefit citizens of Dimapur, by reducing traffic congestion and improve social and trade relations. “Primary goal was to enhance over all development for Dimapur and provide alternative by-pass road”, he said.

Terming Nagaland as “land of opportunities” blessed with natural beauty, rich culture and traditions., Reddy, however, stressed on the need for better infrastructural improvement, increase in resources and development activities so that inflow of tourist would increase.

Pointing out that many Indians go abroad for holidays, the minister lamented that the same people do not visit the North Eastern Region. “The North East region has natural beauty which we cannot get anywhere. Therefore, we should meet the expectations of the tourists,” he added.

He also urged the people of the region to discuss with their state governments, and support development of the region, assuring that the Centre would implement all schemes with commitment.

Reddy said the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was focussed on developing the North East, and quoted Modi that “without the development of North Eastern Region, India would not move forward.”

Addressing the function, deputy chief minister Y Patton, who is also the minister in-charge for roads and bridges (R&B), acknowledged government of India, ministry of DoNER for sanctioning various schemes under NESIDS.

He said that the newly inaugurated road was among seven projects sanctioned during 2019-2020, under NESIDS. Patton further acknowledged the contractor, M/s Vilelie Khamo & Sons and associates for completing the road project despite the pandemic and also applauded the dedicated supervision and management carried out by officials of the R&B department.

Maintaining that roads were the only means of transportation and communication within the state, as Nagaland being landlocked, Patton said socio economic activities entirely depended on road infrastructure. He impressed upon union minister that the State would require more assistance for construction and improvement of road infrastructure for promoting tourism, trade, industry and all round development.

He also requested that the funding under NESIDS be extended till such time that roads were fully developed and road conditions of the state were at par with that of other States in the country. PWD (R&B) chief engineer, Er. Kahuli Sema presented the technical report of the project. The programme was chaired by principal secretary (W&H) Menukhol John while secretary (W&H) Kevekha Kevin Zehol proposed the vote of thanks. A special number was also presented by Kekhrie Ringa.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/speed-up-road-projects-for-devp-reddy/241047.html