Aizawl, March 27 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, stated on Friday that the state is still in a developmental catch-up phase after enduring two decades of insurgency, which has particularly affected the areas of infrastructure, industry, and investment.

During the inauguration of the Public Works Department (PWD) Road Division at the PWD complex in Thenzawl, located in the Serchhip district, the Chief Minister underscored the state's road density, which is significantly lower than the national average.

While India's national average road density is 116 km per 100 sq km, Mizoram only boasts 46.37 km per 100 sq km.

“Achieving the national average is still a daunting task, with considerable work remaining,” Lalduhoma remarked.

The historic Peace Accord, signed in 1986, concluded two decades of insurgency, allowing Mizoram to join the Union of India as its 23rd state on February 20, 1987, marking a transformative period for its development.

Lalduhoma characterized the inauguration as a crucial achievement for the PWD and a source of pride for the residents of Thenzawl.

He emphasized that the establishment of the new Thenzawl PWD Road Division is expected to significantly bolster the state’s ongoing development efforts.

The Chief Minister pointed out that with the surge in developmental undertakings, there is an increasing necessity to enhance both the workforce and administrative capabilities.

The formation of the Thenzawl Division, along with a new Biate Sub-Division, is a vital move towards improving operational efficiency and expediting development projects throughout the region.

When questioned about the choice of Thenzawl for the new division, Lalduhoma reiterated that the town is being cultivated as a “Peace City,” with a comprehensive master plan in development.

Additionally, he mentioned a proposed Greenfield City Project under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

Numerous substantial projects are either planned or already in progress in the vicinity. These include tourism ventures such as ropeways, the Vanva riverfront development, the Lau project, a heliport, a sericulture P3 unit, and plans to relocate Neihloh village due to disaster-related issues. Given the scope of forthcoming PWD-related initiatives in the area, Lalduhoma affirmed that the establishment of a fully operational division in Thenzawl is both timely and essential.

Encouraging the officials and staff of the new office, as well as the PWD as a whole, the Chief Minister urged them to execute their responsibilities with commitment, emphasizing the crucial role their work and planning will play in shaping Mizoram's future.

B. Lalrinliana, speaking on behalf of the Thenzawl Joint Village Council, also addressed the audience.

He conveyed appreciation to the government, noting that Thenzawl has recently experienced several developmental advancements, including the installation of a new ultrasound machine at the local hospital, the inauguration of the PWD Road Division, and the forthcoming foundation laying of artificial turf at the Lo Tha Zawla playground.

For the newly established Thenzawl Road Division, the government has approved multiple positions for engineers and support staff. Recruitment for several roles is already underway, and with the reassignment of existing personnel, the division is set to become fully operational and ready to serve the public by April 1, 2026.

The Chief Minister was joined by Information and Public Relations Minister, B. Lalchhanzova, and local MLA, T. Lalhlimpuia.