Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta on Wednesday announced that the Central Government is accelerating major highway development projects worth ₹12,000 crore across Manipur to strengthen road connectivity and spur regional growth.

Addressing a press briefing at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal, the Minister said the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is currently working on 11 National Highways in the state, covering a total length of 1,774 km. Of this, 747 km have already been upgraded and blacktopped, while the remaining 332 km are targeted for completion by the 2026–27 financial year.

Tamta highlighted that 51 project packages are underway through the NHIDCL and the State PWD. He acknowledged that land acquisition and forest clearance issues had delayed 35 packages but assured that renewed efforts are being made to ensure timely completion.

He further informed that three major highway corridors — Imphal to Jiribam (NH-37), Yaingangpokpi to Finch Corner (NH-202), and Tamenglong to Mahur (NH-137) — along with Churachandpur to Tuivai (NH-102B) and Maram to Peren (NH-129A), are expected to be completed by FY 2025–26.

The Minister also revealed that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared for new projects, including Churachandpur to Tipaimukh (NH-02, 262 km) and a Greenfield alignment from Mao to Senapati (NH-02, 57.91 km). A 658 km Indo–Myanmar Border Road Project is also under feasibility study and is likely to be declared a new National Highway soon.

Connectivity with Nagaland is being upgraded on three routes — Ukhrul to Jessami (NH-202), Mao Gate to Imphal (NH-02), and Maram to Peren (NH-129A) — all being expanded from single-lane to two-lane standards. The Mao Gate–Senapati Greenfield alignment is also in its final DPR stage.

Tamta further informed that the DPR for the Imphal–Moirang four-laning project is nearing finalisation. The crucial Imphal–Jiribam Highway (NH-37), a 203-km lifeline for Manipur, will be fully completed by FY 2025–26, with 152 km already upgraded and blacktopped.

“These initiatives reflect the Government’s steadfast commitment to improving road infrastructure and regional connectivity, catalysing economic growth, and enhancing accessibility across Manipur and the Northeast,” Tamta said.

Earlier in the day, the Minister visited Pherzawl District to review the progress of Central and State development projects. He was accompanied by NHIDCL officials and State Government officers and was received by Pherzawl DC Smt. Mannuam Ching, IAS, and MLA Ngursanglur Sanate.

During the visit, Tamta inspected the Community Health Centre at Parbung and chaired a review meeting at the district headquarters, where he discussed the implementation of key schemes such as PMGSY and PM-FME, as well as future action plans for the district’s holistic development.