Kohima, Dec 5 (NationPress) Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East Vision’, unveiled a series of development projects totaling over Rs 645 crore in Nagaland on Friday.

The DoNER minister, who arrived in Dimapur on Thursday for a three-day visit to Nagaland, participated in the traditional Naga stone-pulling ceremony at Tuophema village, coinciding with the ongoing Hornbill Festival, marking a significant day for the Northeastern state.

Following this cultural event, Scindia announced a comprehensive development package for the state. The day included the inauguration of completed projects valued at over Rs 202 crore and the laying of foundation stones for new initiatives amounting to approximately Rs 443 crore, bringing the total investment to over Rs 645 crore.

The Indian government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing strategic connectivity in the Northeast is underscored by a focus on improving key road corridors and upgrading airport-linked connectivity through major route enhancements.

Scindia emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s transformative vision for the Northeast, stating that the renewed focus on the Act East Policy has significantly accelerated growth in the region, reshaping its development trajectory and fostering momentum in infrastructure projects—spanning areas such as connectivity, healthcare, innovation, and youth development.

He pointed out that Nagaland’s youthful and ambitious populace has the potential to not only propel the state’s progress but also contribute meaningfully to India’s overall growth narrative.

Additionally, Scindia mentioned that numerous projects are already in the pipeline and will be advanced in close collaboration with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, thereby bolstering development efforts across the state.

The inaugurated projects worth Rs 202 crore include upgrades to the 132 kV Sub-Station in Nagarjan, Dimapur (valued at Rs 24.46 crore), a teachers training and examination center with residential facilities (Rs 20 crore), ICT infrastructure in 190 schools (Rs 18.95 crore), and the Chendang Saddle–Kohima Road (Phase-II, 12.57 km, Rs 5.59 crore) along with the AT Road Upgrade from Tssurang to Impur (26.335 km, 3 bridges, Rs 93.98 crore).

The Union Minister also laid foundation stones for ten new projects valued at around Rs 443 crore, which cover sectors such as health, sports, innovation, energy, and significant road development.

Among these projects are a multispeciality hospital in Chümoukedima (PM-DevINE Rs 58.7 crore), a 50-bed hospital in Peren HQ (PM-DevINE Rs 4.6 crore), the Kohima Sports Centre at IG Stadium (PM-DevINE Rs 72.6 crore), the Nagaland innovation hub (Rs 19.6 crore), and a 11.5 MW Dzuza Small Hydro project (Rs 22.8 crore).

Other projects for which foundation stones were laid include the Phomching–Longding Road (20.9 km, Rs 58 crore), Thizama-Chiethu Airport Road (18.24 km, Rs 42.6 crore), Khonomo–NH-29 Road via Dzudza River (9.15 km, Rs 26.5 crore), and Emloi–Ghukey Junction Road (13.70 km, Rs 29.8 crore).

Dressed in traditional Angami attire, Scindia engaged with the community in the culturally significant act of stone pulling, experiencing the unity and collective strength that characterize the Angami Naga community's lifestyle.

In his remarks, he stated, “This tradition is not merely a display of physical strength but a living reminder of how heritage binds communities together. Standing here among the people of Tuophema, I felt the deep wisdom of a society that safeguards its roots while embracing progress.”

In a post on his X handle, the minister expressed, “To witness and partake in the Naga tradition of stone pulling in its full splendour was an honour and a truly grounding experience, where the village of Tuophema breathed as one body and their rich Angami heritage rose as a living force.”

He continued, “Standing here this morning, I felt the Angami community’s deep wisdom rooted in tradition yet welcoming the world with open arms. As hundreds pulled the monolith, Tuophema seemed to move with one resolve and one heartbeat. They exemplify how the Northeast, with its rapid development and steadfast preservation of cultural traditions, aligns beautifully with PM Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘development as well as heritage’, where progress & culture rise together, strengthening the spirit of our nation.”