DIMAPUR, APRIL 13 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Tuesday called on Union Minister for Urban Development, Venkaiah Naidu to lobby for the Kohima Smart City project proposal. A press statement from Chief Minister’s Office Media Cell said Zeliang, at the meeting, explained to the Union Minister the importance of Kohima to be included in the Smart City project from the perspective of India’s Act East Policy.
According to the Chief Minister, Kohima command a strategic position for India-ASEAN road and rail connectivity, as clearly demonstrated by the Battle of Kohima during World War II.
Zeliang also appealed for continuation of funding from AMRUT for the completion of a number of ongoing projects including the cultural hall and two multi-level car parking complex in Kohima.
The Union Minister promised to consider the case of Kohima, provided the criteria for the Smart City project are met substantially, the CMO press statement said. The CM was accompanied by R Tohanba, Parliamentary Secretary, Municipal Affairs.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari in his office along with Minister for National Highways, Nuklotoshi, and I. Himato Zhimomi, Commissioner and Secretary, Works and Housing, Nagaland.
At the meeting, Zeliang asked the Union Minister to expedite implementation and completion of the upgradation of Kohima-Mokokchung road (National Highway-61) from 40 km to 72 km (between Botsa to Wokha section) and four-laning of Dimapur city and Kohima city (NH-29) sections.
The Chief Minister also prayed for urgent payment of land compensation for Dimapur bypass section of NH-29 from Lahorijan to Patkai junction and early commencement of the four-laning project of NH-29 from Dimapur to Kohima.
The Union Minister promised early and positive action on all the above points, the CMO press statement informed.
On the four-laning of Dimapur- Kohima road, the Union Minister said that the work order had already been issued to two selected firm and commencement of work was expected any moment.
