Imphal, Nov 13 (NationPress) The Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta, announced on Thursday that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is making significant strides to enhance road connectivity throughout Manipur, focusing on 11 National Highways spanning a total of 1,774 km.

During his three-day visit to Manipur, the Minister stated that 747 km of the total highway length has already been upgraded and paved, with numerous single-lane stretches transformed into two-lane roads.

The remaining 332 km is expected to be completed by the end of the Financial Year 2026–27. In total, 51 project packages are currently in progress, requiring an investment of Rs 12,000 crore over the last five years, he informed reporters.

Ajay Tamta pointed out that land acquisition and forest clearance challenges had led to delays in 35 project packages, but the NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited) is now intensifying its efforts to ensure timely completion.

The Minister highlighted 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)—which are scheduled for completion by FY 2025-26.

Additionally, a 658 km Indo–Myanmar Border Road Project is currently under feasibility study and will soon be designated as a new National Highway.

The Union Minister also confirmed that efforts are being made to upgrade connectivity with Nagaland from single-lane to two-lane standards on three key routes: Ukhrul to Jessami (NH-202, 156 km), Mao Gate to Imphal (NH-02, 97 km), and Maram to Peren (NH-129A, 104 km).

During his initial two-day visit, he toured the tribal regions of Pherzawl and Churachandpur districts, and on Thursday, he visited the tribal-heavy Kangpokpi district, reviewing both Central and state scheme projects.

He praised Deputy Commissioner Mahesh Chaudhari and NHIDCL officials for their commitment to enhancing the highway connecting Kangpokpi to the capital of Nagaland, Kohima.

He described this route as a critical corridor and the quickest link from Guwahati, noting that measures are in place to address blockages near Kohima to facilitate smoother traffic flow and quicker goods transport.

The Minister reiterated the government's dedication to improving road infrastructure and regional connectivity. He commended Manipur for its stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage, asserting that the state is among the most picturesque in the world. He called on residents to unite for a prosperous and peaceful future.

Furthermore, he distributed various beneficiary items, including Ayushman Bharat cards, stationery under Janjatiya Gaurav, sports equipment under Mission Vatsalya, a motorized winding machine and sewing machines through the National Handloom Development Programme, and sewing machines under the PM Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana (Machine Shakti).

On Wednesday evening, the Union Minister met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, Imphal. An official from Raj Bhavan indicated that the meeting concentrated on reinforcing road connectivity throughout the state, including its hilly and interior areas.

They discussed various ongoing road development initiatives being executed by the NHIDCL and their contribution to enhancing access, promoting trade, and stimulating economic growth.

Both parties highlighted the urgency for the timely completion of these projects to improve connectivity and foster balanced development across Manipur. The minister also briefed the Governor about his district visits.