Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton on Thursday called on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and discussed development, connectivity, infrastructure and livelihood issues in the Northeast.
Patton, who also holds the Home and Border Affairs portfolio, was accompanied by public representatives from Wokha district, including MLA from 39 Sanis Assembly Constituency and Agriculture Advisor Mhathung Yanthan, MLA from 38 Wokha Assembly Constituency Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, and MLA and Chairman of SPDB Bhandari Achumbemo Kikon.
The delegation discussed a range of issues concerning Wokha and adjoining areas, including road connectivity, infrastructure requirements and human-wildlife conflict.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the transformation of the Northeast over the last 12 years has been among the significant outcomes of the development-oriented approach of the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said sustained focus on the region has brought the Northeast closer to the national development mainstream, with improvements in connectivity, infrastructure and economic opportunities.
The Minister said the region is witnessing a new phase of development across roads, railways, airports, waterways and digital connectivity, creating greater opportunities for growth and bringing communities closer to the rest of the country.
He said the development of the Northeast is no longer being viewed in isolation from India’s overall growth journey and that improved connectivity is helping the region emerge as an important contributor to the country’s economy and a natural gateway to the Act East policy.
Highlighting the role of connectivity, Dr Jitendra Singh said road and highway expansion has improved access to markets and essential services, while railway and air connectivity have opened new opportunities in tourism, trade, healthcare and emergency response.
He said inland waterways are also emerging as an alternative and sustainable mode of transport, strengthening the region’s links with the rest of India and neighbouring countries.
The Minister highlighted the expansion of air connectivity in the Northeast, noting that the number of operational airports in the region has increased from nine in 2014 to 17 in 2026.
He said the UDAN regional connectivity scheme has further expanded aviation access, with around 90 regional routes operationalised in the Northeast.
The development and strengthening of airports, including Pakyong and Hollongi and upgraded facilities at Tezu and Rupsi, have contributed to a wider regional aviation network, he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said improved connectivity goes beyond transportation and has a direct impact on access to education and healthcare, tourism, local businesses, agricultural markets, employment and investment.
He also highlighted the expansion of highways, railways, waterways and digital infrastructure across the region. The number of National Waterways in the Northeast increased from one in 2014 to 20 in 2024, while digital connectivity has also expanded with thousands of Gram Panchayats being connected to high-speed internet.
The Minister said the region’s young population, natural resources, biodiversity and strategic location provide a strong foundation for future growth, provided infrastructure development is accompanied by opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, tourism, agriculture and skill development.
During the meeting, the Wokha delegation raised several specific infrastructure and connectivity issues.
These included a proposal to declare the Wokha-Merapani road up to Golaghat as a National Highway and the upgradation of the Wokha-Bokajan road.
The delegation also raised infrastructure requirements at Wokha district headquarters, including a District Office Complex, Multipurpose Market Complex, stadium and approach roads.
The representatives highlighted difficult road conditions caused by erosion and landslides and their impact on movement and economic activity in the area.
The issue of human-elephant conflict in Wokha district was also discussed. The delegation highlighted crop destruction, property damage and concerns over the safety and livelihoods of local communities, and sought a comprehensive policy response and special package for affected areas.
Dr Jitendra Singh said such challenges require a balanced approach that protects local livelihoods while preserving the region’s rich wildlife, along with coordination among the concerned agencies.
The Minister said the issues raised during the meeting would be considered in the context of the broader efforts to strengthen connectivity and infrastructure across the Northeast.
He emphasised that the objective is not merely to create physical infrastructure but to ensure that improved connectivity translates into better opportunities, stronger livelihoods and greater participation of the region in India’s growth story.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the development momentum witnessed across the Northeast over the past 12 years has created a strong foundation for the next phase of growth.
He expressed confidence that continued cooperation between the Centre and the states of the Northeast would further accelerate the region’s development and help it emerge as an important contributor to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The post Nagaland Deputy CM Yanthungo Patton discusses development, connectivity in Northeast with Dr Jitendra Singh appeared first on DD India.
