Aizawl, Mar 13: Mizoram Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Minister K Sapdanga announced on Thursday that infrastructure development on land vacated by Assam Rifles in Aizawl will begin soon, aiming to address traffic congestion in the capital.

During a question-and-answer session in the assembly, Sapdanga stated that excavation and leveling work to widen the 1-kilometre stretch from Treasury Square to Bazar Bungkawn will commence on March 17. The road is set to be expanded to a uniform width of 50 feet, providing relief to motorists in a high-traffic area.

An advisory committee led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, with members from political parties, NGOs, church leaders, and activists, will supervise the strategic development of the land. Plans include the preservation of heritage structures, such as the historic Quarter Guard and Loch House, while non-heritage buildings will be demolished.

The Zodin area’s existing temple will be relocated to make way for a public park. A large multi-purpose complex will be constructed at the site of the former Assam Rifles cinema hall, featuring a four-storey parking facility, a 2,000-seat primary auditorium named Vanapa Hall, and additional smaller halls with 500-seat capacity. The existing Vanapa Hall near the assembly will be repurposed for essential uses. A significant green zone with a public park will also be developed on the site.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma further informed the assembly that the Centre has waived ₹5.23 crore, representing the depreciated cost of Assam Rifles’ vacated buildings and infrastructure.