Shillong, June 15: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio showcased the state's key infrastructure and development priorities at the NE India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Shillong, highlighting major projects including the proposed Ciethu Greenfield Airport, Nagaki City, and the state's demand for an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
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| Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, and other dignitaries release a report during the NE India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Shillong on June 15. (X/nitin_gadkari) |
Addressing the summit in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, ministers, industry leaders, and development partners, Rio outlined Nagaland's vision for accelerated growth through strategic infrastructure development and investment.
The Chief Minister noted that while Nagaland is among the oldest states in the Northeast, its development journey has been shaped by unique geographical, historical, and structural challenges. He emphasized that strengthening infrastructure remains critical to improving connectivity, enhancing service delivery, and creating new economic opportunities across the state.
Rio also highlighted the challenges associated with Nagaland's distinctive landholding system, where most land is community-owned and protected under Article 371A of the Constitution. While describing these constitutional safeguards as vital for protecting the rights and traditions of the people, he stressed the need to balance them with the requirements of land acquisition, infrastructure development, and investment necessary for long-term economic growth.
Among the flagship projects presented by the Chief Minister was the proposed Ciethu Greenfield Airport near Kohima, which is expected to significantly improve air connectivity and support tourism, trade, and economic activity. He also highlighted the planned Nagaki City project in Chümoukedima, envisioned as a modern urban centre that could drive investment, innovation, and sustainable development in the state.
Rio further reiterated Nagaland's proposal for establishing an IIT, stating that such an institution would enhance higher education opportunities, promote research and innovation, and contribute to the development of skilled human resources in the region.
A major focus of his address was the proposed Trans-Nagaland Highway, commonly known as the Foothills Road, which he described as a transformative infrastructure project. The highway is expected to connect seven districts and more than 100 towns and villages, improving accessibility and unlocking the economic potential of vast agricultural, horticultural, and mineral-rich areas.
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The Chief Minister said improved connectivity would pave the way for industrial growth, logistics hubs, tourism development, and greater private sector participation. He also pointed to the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Government of Assam for petroleum exploration and development activities, noting that much of the prospective resource belt lies along the proposed Foothills Road corridor.
Inviting development partners and industry leaders to explore opportunities in Nagaland, Rio called for greater investment and collaboration to support the state's growth aspirations. He expressed confidence that strategic infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships would help transform Nagaland's economy and contribute to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The summit provided a key platform for Nagaland to present its development agenda and attract attention to major projects aimed at improving connectivity, education, urban development, and economic growth.
