Centre commits to improve road infra in NE

Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta has reiterated New Delhi’s steadfast commitment to improving road infrastructure and connectivity across Manipur and the wider northeast region. Addressing the media in Imphal on Wednesday evening during his three-day official tour of the state, Tamta highlighted extensive works being undertaken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) through the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the state Public Works Department (PWD).
Tamta informed that Manipur currently has 11 national highways with a total length of 1,774 km. Of this, 747 km have already been upgraded and blacktopped, with several single-lane stretches converted to two-lane standards. The remaining 332 km are scheduled for completion by the financial year 2026–27. In total, 51 project packages are underway, involving an expenditure of Rs. 12,000 crore over the past five years.
While acknowledging delays in 35 project packages due to land acquisition and forest clearance issues, the minister assured that NHIDCL has renewed its focus to ensure timely completion. “These initiatives reflect the government’s steadfast commitment to catalyze economic growth and enhance accessibility across Manipur and the northeast region,” he emphasized.
Tamta announced that several key highway corridors are targeted for completion during the current financial year 2025–26. These include the Imphal–Jiribam section of NH-37, Yaingangpokpi–Finch Corner (NH-202), Tamenglong–Mahur (NH-137), Churachandpur–Tuivai (NH-102B), and Maram–Peren (NH-129A). The Imphal–Jiribam stretch, described as the lifeline of Manipur, will be fully completed by 2025–26, with 152 km already upgraded and blacktopped out of the total 203 km.
The Union minister further revealed that NHIDCL is preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for additional highways, including a 262 km stretch of the Churachandpur–Tipaimukh section of NH-2 and a 57.91 km Greenfield alignment from Mao to Senapati on NH-02. Moreover, a 658 km Indo–Myanmar Border Road Project is under feasibility assessment and will soon be declared a new National Highway.
Highlighting interstate connectivity, Tamta affirmed that road links between Manipur and Nagaland are being upgraded from single-lane to two-lane standards. The three major routes under improvement include Ukhrul–Jessami (NH-202, 156 km), Mao Gate–Imphal (NH-02, 97 km), and Maram–Peren (NH-129A, 104 km). Additionally, NHIDCL is developing a two-lane Greenfield alignment between Mao Gate and Senapati, presently in the final DPR stage. The DPR for the Imphal–Moirang four-laning project is also in its concluding stages of alignment with the state government.
During his visit, Tamta inspected ongoing Central and state development projects in Pherzawl district, accompanied by NHIDCL’s regional executive director. He visited the Community Health Centre at Parbung and chaired a review meeting at the district headquarters, focusing on schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME), and other local initiatives. Detailed discussions were held on future action plans and priority areas for holistic district development.
Before concluding his tour, the Union minister visited Kangpokpi district, where he reviewed progress on road improvement works under both Central and state schemes. He lauded Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner Mahesh Chaudhari and NHIDCL officials for their dedicated efforts in improving the highway connecting Kangpokpi to Kohima. Describing the route as a vital corridor and the shortest link from Guwahati, Tamta noted that efforts were underway to resolve blockages near Kohima to ensure smoother traffic and faster transport of goods.
Praising Manipur’s natural beauty and cultural richness, Tamta described the state as among the most scenic in the world. He urged citizens to work together for a prosperous and peaceful future, underscoring that improved connectivity would not only boost economic growth but also strengthen social integration across the northeast.