Finance Minister opens Jowai–Nartiang–Kdiap–Khanduli road, interacts with students and sportspersons; says quality infrastructure and skilled youth are key to inclusive growth
Shillong, June 20: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday inaugurated the ₹59-crore Jowai–Nartiang–Kdiap–Khanduli (JNKK) Road in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district, describing infrastructure development as a crucial driver of economic growth and regional connectivity.
The road, built with financial support from the New Development Bank at an estimated cost of over ₹59 crore, is expected to improve access to markets, public services and livelihood opportunities across the district while enhancing connectivity in remote areas.
Speaking at a function held at Wahiajer Football Stadium, Sitharaman said quality infrastructure is essential to ensure that the benefits of development reach every corner of the country, including border and rural regions.
Some glimpses of the Wahiajer Football Stadium in West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya. https://t.co/3XiwLPsYLF pic.twitter.com/JLveIUc4R2
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) June 20, 2026
The Finance Minister later held an interactive session with students of Kiang Nangbah Government College, where discussions centred on higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and the role of young people in nation-building.
Encouraging students to remain curious and adaptable, Sitharaman highlighted the opportunities emerging from rapid technological advancements but cautioned against the pitfalls of misinformation in the digital age.
“Information is available instantly today, but not all of it is reliable,” she observed, urging young people to think critically, exercise restraint and seek guidance before reacting to content encountered online.
She stressed the importance of continuous learning, innovation and community service, saying India’s youth have unprecedented opportunities to contribute to the country’s development journey.
During her visit, Sitharaman also interacted with schoolchildren and sportspersons at the Wahiajer Football Stadium, a ₹65-crore sports complex developed under the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme.
Smt @nsitharaman interacted with school children and sportspersons at the Wahiajer Football Stadium in West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya.
The Wahiajer Football Stadium was constructed at a cost of over ₹65 crore with support from @FinMinIndia‘s Special Assistance to States… pic.twitter.com/4EUC1EzaYv
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) June 20, 2026
Spread across 16 acres, the stadium features a FIFA-compliant football field, a World Athletics-certified eight-lane synthetic track and facilities for multiple field events. With a seating capacity of more than 6,000 spectators, it is expected to emerge as a major sporting hub for Meghalaya and the Northeast.
Praising the facility, the Finance Minister said public infrastructure of such quality should serve as centres for community engagement, talent development and sporting excellence.
The projects, she said, reflect the Centre’s emphasis on sustained capital investment to create opportunities, improve connectivity and support balanced regional development, particularly in the Northeast.
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