Union Minister of Communications and DoNER, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, marked a landmark day in Nagaland as he participated in the traditional Naga stone-pulling ceremony at Tuophema Village during the Hornbill Festival and unveiled a substantial development package for the state. The day saw the inauguration of completed projects worth more than Rs 2.02 billion and the laying of foundation stones for new initiatives totalling around Rs 4.43 billion, taking overall investment to over Rs 6.45 billion.

Participation in Traditional Stone-Pulling Ceremony

Wearing traditional Angami attire, Shri Scindia joined the community in the revered stone-pulling ritual, experiencing firsthand the unity and collective strength that characterise Angami culture. He said, “This tradition is not merely a symbol 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.”

Inauguration of Key Development Projects

Following the ceremony, the Minister unveiled a major development package aimed at strengthening infrastructure and connectivity across Nagaland. As part of the Government’s focus on the Northeast under its strategic connectivity agenda, priority has been placed on upgrading critical road corridors and improving airport-linked routes.

He inaugurated five completed projects worth over Rs 2.02 billion, including:

132 kV Sub-Station Upgrade, Nagarjan, Dimapur – Rs 244.6 million

Teachers’ Training and Examination Centre with Residential Facilities – Rs 200 million

ICT Infrastructure in 190 Schools – Rs 189.5 million

Chendang Saddle–Kohima Road (Phase II, 12.57 km) – Rs 455.9 million

AT Road Upgrade, Tssurang to Impur (26.335 km, three bridges) – Rs 939.8 million

He also laid foundation stones for ten new projects valued at approximately Rs 4.43 billion across health, sports, innovation, energy and major road development, including:

Multispeciality Hospital, Chümoukedima (PM-DevINE) – Rs 587 million

50-Bed Hospital, Peren HQ (PM-DevINE) – Rs 446 million

Kohima Sports Centre, IG Stadium (PM-DevINE) – Rs 726 million

Nagaland Innovation Hub – Rs 196 million

11.5 MW Dzuza Small Hydro Project – Rs 228 million

New DLC Complex, Peren Township – Rs 219 million

Old Peren–Chalkot Road (16.50 km) – Rs 463 million

Phomching–Longding Road (20.9 km) – Rs 580 million

Thizama–Chiethu Airport Road (18.24 km) – Rs 426 million

Khonomo–NH-29 Road via Dzudza River (9.15 km) – Rs 265 million

Emloi–Ghukey Junction Road (13.70 km) – Rs 298 million

Shri Scindia highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative vision for the Northeast, noting that the Act East Policy has significantly accelerated development across the region. He emphasised that improvements in connectivity, healthcare, innovation and youth development are reshaping Nagaland’s growth trajectory.

He also underlined the potential of Nagaland’s young and aspirational population to contribute not only to the state’s progress but to India’s broader growth story. Several additional projects, he said, are already in the pipeline and will be advanced in close coordination with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.