Aizawl, July 23: Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma on Thursday chaired the fourth meeting of the Mizoram Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (Mi-PRAGATI) initiative, where the government reviewed the progress of several major infrastructure and development projects across the state and directed officials to expedite pending works.
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| Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma chairs the fourth Mi-PRAGATI meeting at the Chief Minister's Conference Hall in Aizawl, reviewing the progress of key infrastructure projects, including the Aizawl Western Bypass, NH-306 four-laning, rehabilitation works and other priority development initiatives across the state. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The high-level meeting focused on resolving bottlenecks affecting key road projects, rehabilitation initiatives, forest clearances and other public infrastructure schemes. Officials also presented progress reports on issues discussed during previous Mi-PRAGATI meetings and were instructed to ensure that pending matters are pursued with greater urgency.
One of the major issues reviewed was the ongoing construction of the Aizawl Western Side By-Pass Road. Discussions centred on challenges relating to dumping sites, pending compensation payments, relocation of refugee settlements and forest clearance approvals. Officials also discussed proposed changes in the scope of work wherever required to facilitate smoother implementation.
The meeting also assessed the progress of the Vairengte–Sairang section of National Highway 306 and NH-06, a major four-lane highway project that is expected to significantly improve connectivity in Mizoram. Officials informed the meeting that the project recorded a 2 per cent increase in physical progress since the previous Mi-PRAGATI review.
According to the latest progress report, Package 3 of the highway has achieved 19.25 per cent completion, while Package 4 stands at 17.82 per cent, Package 5 at 14.90 per cent, Package 6 at 8.76 per cent, Package 7 at 13.67 per cent, and Package 8 at 14.12 per cent.
Officials noted that construction has been delayed at certain locations due to court cases involving land ownership disputes, with work on those stretches awaiting judicial decisions. Meanwhile, repairs and maintenance of the existing road are being carried out under a Short Term Maintenance Contract, with most of the scheduled works nearing completion.
The meeting also reviewed the construction of the Ekta Mall, where officials reported that work is progressing smoothly. The project has reached 21 per cent overall physical progress, and a dedicated laboratory for testing construction materials has already been established. All required equipment and machinery have also been mobilised at the project site.
Another important agenda item was the relocation of residents from Neihloh village. Officials informed the meeting that several affected families have already begun constructing new houses at the relocation site. Work on developing essential public infrastructure is also expected to commence shortly. Formation cutting for the access road has reached 90.93 per cent completion, marking significant progress in the rehabilitation project.
The meeting further discussed issues affecting the Khamrang–Selesih road project, including pending forest clearance, litigation arising from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), and compensation-related matters. Officials pointed out that funding under the NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) has been exhausted, meaning the remaining construction work will now have to be financed by the Mizoram Government.
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The widening of the road connecting Sihhmui main road to the REL Station and the construction of the road leading to the Suaka Cricket Stadium were also reviewed. The Chief Minister directed officials to accelerate work on both projects to ensure timely completion.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Pu K. Sapdanga, PWD Minister Pu Vanlalhlana, Environment, Forest & Climate Change Minister Pu Lalthansanga, Sports & Youth Services Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Chief Secretary Pu Khilli Ram Meena, Principal Secretary (GAD) Pu Sudhir Kumar, senior government officials, Deputy Commissioners and other district-level officers, many of whom joined the meeting through video conferencing.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma reiterated the importance of timely implementation of development projects and directed all departments to remove administrative hurdles, improve coordination and ensure that priority infrastructure works are completed efficiently for the benefit of the people of Mizoram.
