Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, addressed a press briefing at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal on Wednesday. In his address, he highlighted that the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is undertaking extensive works to strengthen road connectivity across Manipur, working with 11 National Highways with a total length of 1,774 km. These projects are being implemented through NHIDCL and the State PWD, Manipur.
The Minister informed that 747 km of the total highway length has already been upgraded and blacktopped, with several single-lane stretches converted to two-lane standards. The remaining 332 km will be completed by Financial Year 2026–27. In total, 51 project packages are underway, involving an expenditure of ₹12,000 crore over the past five years.
Ajay Tamta noted that land acquisition and forest clearance issues had caused delays in 35 project packages, but NHIDCL has renewed its focus to ensure timely completion. He added that three major highway corridors viz Imphal to Jiribam (NH-37), Yaingangpokpi to Finch Corner (NH-202), and Tamenglong to Mahur (NH-137) to along with Churachandpur to Tuivai (NH-102B) and Maram to Peren (NH-129A) to are targeted for completion by FY 2025–26.
He further informed that NHIDCL is preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for additional highways including Churachandpur to Tipaimukh (NH-02, 262 km) and a Greenfield alignment from Mao to Senapati (NH-02, 57.91 km). Moreover, a 658 km Indo–Myanmar Border Road Project is under feasibility assessment and will soon be declared a new National Highway.
The Hon’ble Minister also affirmed that connectivity with Nagaland is being upgraded from single-lane to two-lane standards on three major routes viz Ukhrul to Jessami (NH-202, 156 km), Mao to Imphal (NH-02, 97 km), and Maram to Peren (NH-129A, 104 km).
Additionally, NHIDCL is developing a four-lane Greenfield alignment between Mao and Senapati, aimed at enhancing interstate connectivity with Nagaland through Senapati district.
He further mentioned that the DPR for the Imphal to Moirang four-laning project is in its final stages of alignment finalization with the State Government. The Imphal to Jiribam Highway (NH-37), widely regarded as the lifeline of Manipur, will be fully upgraded by FY 2025–26, with 152 km already blacktopped, he added.
These initiatives, the Minister emphasized, reflect the Government’s steadfast commitment to improving road infrastructure and regional connectivity, thereby catalysing economic growth and enhancing accessibility across Manipur and the Northeast region.
Earlier in the day, Ajay Tamta visited Pherzawl District today to review the progress of ongoing Central and State development projects. He was accompanied by the Executive Director (P), NHIDCL Regional Office, Imphal. Upon arrival at Pherzawl, the Hon’ble Minister was warmly received by Mannuam Ching, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Pherzawl; Ngursanglur Sanate, MLA, Tipaimukh Constituency; and officials from NHIDCL along with senior officers of the State Government.
During his visit, Ajay Tamta inspected the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Parbung and later chaired a review meeting at the Pherzawl District Headquarters. The meeting focused on the implementation status of key development schemes such as PMGSY, PM-FME, and other local projects. Detailed discussions were also held on future action plans and priority areas for the district’s holistic development.
