Mizoram, Arunachal Seek Extra Central Funds for Infra Ahead of Budget

In a strategic move ahead of the Union Budget presentation, the northeastern states of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have formally urged the central government to allocate additional funds specifically for infrastructure development. This request underscores the ongoing challenges these remote regions face in bridging critical gaps in roads, bridges, airports, and power infrastructure. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the state’s unique geographical constraints, emphasizing that without enhanced central support, key projects like the Aizawl bypass and inter-district connectivity roads risk stalling. ‘Our hills demand specialized engineering solutions, which inflate costs manifold,’ he stated during a recent virtual meeting with Union Finance Ministry officials. Similarly, Arunachal Pradesh, with its vast border areas adjacent to China and Myanmar, has pressed for accelerated funding under schemes like Bharatmala and Sagarmala. Chief Minister Pema Khandu pointed to the strategic importance of completing the Trans-Arunachal Highway and upgrading frontier airstrips.