Dimapur, December 8 (MExN): The Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers Union (NCSU), the oldest contractors’ organisation in the Northeast, recently held a meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur.
A four-member NCSU delegation, led by Pele Khezhie, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s leadership and commitment to strengthening infrastructure in Nagaland under the Act East policy.
The delegation highlighted significant infrastructure achievements in the state, including the operationalisation of approximately 1,670 km of National Highways, the sanctioning of 33–34 National Highways, and 25 ongoing NHIDCL projects covering about 469 km with a combined investment of around Rs 7,711 crore.
During the meeting, the NCSU proposed the establishment of a North-East Contractors Forum (NECF) as a unified platform for contractors and developers from all North-Eastern states. The proposed forum is envisioned to act as a ‘dedicated’ mechanism for grievance redressal, fair representation, and coordinated engagement with central and state authorities, while also promoting capacity building, upskilling, quality standards, and best practices, enabling contractors to deliver projects more efficiently. Additionally to align regional development with the Act East policy, ensuring that infrastructure growth is inclusive, transparent, and community-focused.
The release stated that Gadkari welcomed the proposal and assured his full cooperation, expressing his willingness to inaugurate the Forum.
The delegation also formally invited the Union Minister to grace the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the NCSU in 2025, noting that the launch of the NECF during the jubilee would be a historic milestone.
The NCSU has appealed to all contractors’ associations across the North-East to join the initiative to foster solidarity and resolve challenges collectively.
The union is collaborating with a Bengaluru-based consultant team for data compilation and conceptualisation of the Forum.
