Infrastructure development on land vacated by the Assam Rifles in Aizawl is expected to begin soon, Mizoram’s Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Minister K Sapdanga informed the state Assembly.The minister shared the update on March 12 while speaking during the question-and-answer session in the Assembly. He said the government will soon begin work to widen a key road stretch in the state capital in order to reduce traffic congestion.According to Sapdanga, work will start on March 17 to widen the busy road between Treasury Square and Bazar Bungkawn. The stretch is nearly one kilometre long and is considered one of the most congested areas in Aizawl.He said traffic congestion has been a major concern for residents and motorists in the city. To address the issue, the government will excavate and level the existing road so that it can be widened to a uniform width of 50 feet.“The public’s most pressing demand is the easing of traffic. Therefore, we will begin excavating and levelling the existing road to a uniform width of 50 feet starting next Tuesday,” Sapdanga said.
The minister also informed the Assembly that an advisory committee has been formed to ensure proper and planned use of the land vacated by the Assam Rifles. The committee is headed by Chief Minister Lalduhoma and includes representatives from political parties, non-governmental organisations, church leaders and social activists.According to the minister, the government plans to transform the vacated land into a modern public space while also preserving structures that have historical value. Buildings such as the Quarter Guard and Loch House will be preserved because of their heritage importance, while other structures without historical significance will be demolished.Sapdanga further said that the existing Mandir in the Zodin area will be relocated as part of the development project. This will make space for the construction of a public park on the site.A major part of the development plan includes building a large multi-purpose complex at the location where the Assam Rifles cinema hall once stood. The complex will include a four-storey parking facility that will be able to accommodate thousands of vehicles.
Above the parking floors, the government plans to construct a main auditorium with seating capacity for around 2,000 people. The auditorium will be named Vanapa Hall. In addition, several smaller halls with a seating capacity of about 500 people each will also be constructed at the same site.The minister said that the existing Vanapa Hall near the state Assembly will be used for other essential purposes once the new complex is completed.
