Aizawl: Mizoram Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Minister K. Sapdanga on Thursday announced that infrastructure development work on land vacated by the Assam Rifles in Aizawl will begin shortly.
Replying to questions during the ongoing Budget session of the state Assembly, Sapdanga said work to widen the road stretch between Treasury Square and Bazar Bungkawn, one of the busiest corridors in the city will commence on March 17 as part of efforts to address persistent traffic congestion in the capital.
The nearly 1-km stretch will be expanded to improve traffic flow in the area, which witnesses heavy vehicular movement throughout the day.
“The public’s most pressing demand is the easing of traffic. Therefore, we will begin excavating and leveling the existing road to a uniform width of 50 feet starting from next Tuesday,” the Minister said, adding that the project is expected to bring significant relief to motorists.
Sapdanga informed the Assembly that an advisory committee comprising representatives of political parties, NGOs, church leaders and social activists have been constituted to guide the strategic utilisation of the land vacated by the Assam Rifles. The committee is headed by Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
He also outlined plans to develop the area into a modern public space while balancing heritage preservation and urban utility.
According to the minister, historically significant structures such as the Quarter Guard and Loch House will be preserved, while buildings without heritage value will be demolished to make way for new infrastructure.
The existing Mandir located in the Zodin area will be relocated to facilitate the development of a public park, he added.
Sapdanga further announced that a large multi-purpose complex will be constructed at the site of the former Assam Rifles cinema hall. The facility will include a four-storey parking structure capable of accommodating thousands of vehicles.
Above the parking levels, a main auditorium with a seating capacity of 2,000 will be constructed and named “Vanapa Hall”. In addition, several smaller halls with seating capacities of around 500 each will also be developed within the complex.
The existing and ageing Vanapa Hall near the Assembly House will be repurposed for other essential uses, the Minister said.
A significant portion of the land vacated by the Assam Rifles will also be developed as a “Green Zone,” which will feature a public park and a dedicated fitness trail running through the forested area on the western side of Lammual, also known as the Assam Rifles ground.
Sapdanga added that the turf at Lammual will be replaced with international-standard artificial grass to enhance the facility.
Meanwhile, in a written reply to a query raised by Leader of the Opposition Lalchhandama Ralte, Chief Minister Lalduhoma informed the Assembly that the Centre has waived Rs 5.23 crore that the state government was required to pay to the Assam Rifles as depreciated cost for buildings and infrastructure vacated by the paramilitary force in Aizawl.