Imphal, February 25 (NationPress) - Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has pledged full support from the Central Government to Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh for the development of both national and state highways within the region, as reported by officials on Wednesday.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Imphal, the Chief Minister, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, held a meeting with Gadkari at his office in New Delhi on Tuesday evening.

During this discussion, the Chief Minister provided an update on the status of various ongoing and proposed road infrastructure initiatives in Manipur.

Singh emphasized the need for special consideration of the state’s proposals for elevated highways and the enhancement of National Highways to bolster connectivity and logistics.

Gadkari reassured the Manipur delegation of complete cooperation from his Ministry, affirming that the state government’s proposals would be positively evaluated, as per the CMO official's remarks.

On social media platform X, the Union Minister expressed: "Today, I had the honor of meeting the newly elected Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Y. Khemchand Singh Ji, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Losii Dikho Ji and Smt. Nemcha Kipgen Ji, in New Delhi."

"We reviewed the progress of ongoing National Highway projects throughout the state and assessed critical segments to ensure their timely completion, enhanced connectivity, and accelerated infrastructure development in Manipur," he stated.

Gadkari extended his best wishes to the new government, hoping for a successful term dedicated to peace, inclusive growth, and enduring prosperity for the state's residents.

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh has been in New Delhi since February 21, marking his inaugural visit to the national capital after assuming office as Manipur's Chief Minister on February 4.

During his trip, he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union Ministers, and senior BJP leaders to discuss various issues concerning the state’s development and public welfare.

On Tuesday, Singh met with the Prime Minister at Seva Teerth, where he briefed him about initiatives taken by the new state government to restore peace and harmony in Manipur, officials indicated.

On Monday night, the Chief Minister, accompanied by both Deputy Chief Ministers, also met Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who sanctioned the construction of 5,000 new houses for the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence in Manipur. These homes will be built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, according to officials.

Earlier on Monday, the Chief Minister met Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, who guaranteed that his Ministry would collaborate with other Union Ministries to tackle key concerns affecting Manipur.

Additionally, Khemchand Singh met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who pledged all possible support to restore the state's financial health and economy.

He also engaged in discussions with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who assured full backing and cooperation from his Ministry for all of the Manipur government's initiatives.

Previously, on February 22, Khemchand Singh, along with the two Deputy Chief Ministers, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss various issues, including the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons.

As stated by the CMO official, the Union Home Minister also talked with the Manipur leadership about the steps taken by the new state government to bridge community divides and restore peace and harmony throughout the state.