Manipur CM pushes for Imphal-Guwahati train service, reviews ₹22,000 crore rail project
Synopsis
Manipur CM Khemchand Singh's push for an Imphal-Guwahati passenger train highlights a deeper connectivity crisis in India's landlocked Northeast — but the bigger story is the ₹22,000 crore Imphal-Jiribam corridor, now past its halfway mark, that could finally break the state's road dependence by 2029.
Key Takeaways
Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh has pushed for a passenger train linking Imphal to Guwahati , with a proposal already submitted to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw .
The ₹22,000 crore Imphal-Jiribam Railway Project spans 110-111 km and is expected to be fully operational by June 2029 .
Approximately 55 km of track has been completed up to Khongsang in Tamenglong district ; a further 9 km to Awangkhul is due by November 2026 .
The Noney section is targeted for December 2027 ; the line is expected to reach Imphal by December 2028 .
NFR General Manager Vivek Khare is expected to visit Manipur on 17 November .
The Imphal Railway Station building is structurally complete, with finishing works underway.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday, 13 November stressed the urgent need for a passenger train service linking Imphal with Guwahati, saying the connection would significantly ease travel hardships for residents of the landlocked northeastern state. The Chief Minister made the remarks during a site inspection of the Imphal Railway Station in Imphal West District, where he also reviewed progress on the Imphal-Jiribam Railway Project.
Proposal Submitted to Railway Minister
According to officials, the state government has already submitted a formal proposal to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the introduction of the passenger train service. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh expressed hope that the service would become operational within this year. He added that the matter would be taken up directly when the Railway Minister visits Manipur by the end of 2025.
Imphal-Jiribam Project: Where It Stands
The 110-km Imphal-Jiribam Railway Project — a critical infrastructure initiative connecting Manipur to Jiribam town, which borders Assam's Cachar district — has so far seen approximately 55 km of track laid, reaching up to Khongsang in Tamenglong district, according to a senior Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) official. A further 9 km section extending to Awangkhul is expected to be completed by November 2026.
The Noney section is targeted for completion by December 2027, while the full railway line is projected to reach Imphal by December 2028. The entire corridor, pegged at approximately ₹22,000 crore, is expected to be fully operational by June 2029, according to NFR officials.
Station Building and Finishing Works Underway
At Imphal Railway Station, the station building and operational offices have been structurally completed, with finishing works currently in progress. Deputy Chief Engineer Md. Samuel briefed the Chief Minister on the construction activities being undertaken by Indian Railways during the inspection. Sapam Ranjan Singh, MLA of Konthoujam Assembly Constituency, the Director of Transport, and other state and Railways officials accompanied the Chief Minister.
NFR General Manager's Visit Likely
Notably, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) General Manager Vivek Khare is likely to visit Manipur on 17 November, a visit that is expected to further advance coordination on the project. This comes amid broader efforts to integrate the Northeast into India's national rail grid — a priority the Centre has repeatedly flagged since the launch of the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme.
Once operational, the Imphal-Jiribam corridor is expected to transform freight and passenger movement for Manipur, reducing dependence on the state's road networks, which are frequently disrupted by weather, blockades, and insurgency-related incidents.
Point of View
Ethnic unrest, and weather disruptions for decades. The Imphal-Jiribam project's ₹22,000 crore price tag and 2029 deadline are ambitious for a region with a history of infrastructure delays. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh's simultaneous push for a Guwahati passenger service, however, underscores a gap the flagship project won't immediately fill — even once complete, Jiribam is not Guwahati, and the last-mile connectivity challenge for ordinary travellers remains unaddressed. The Centre's track record on Northeast rail timelines deserves scrutiny before the 2029 target is taken as assured.
NationPress
14 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What passenger train service is Manipur CM Khemchand Singh seeking?
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is seeking a direct passenger train service connecting Imphal, Manipur's capital, with Guwahati in Assam. The state government has submitted a formal proposal to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with the Chief Minister expressing hope it becomes operational within this year.
What is the Imphal-Jiribam Railway Project?
The Imphal-Jiribam Railway Project is a ₹22,000 crore infrastructure corridor of approximately 110-111 km linking Imphal to Jiribam town, which borders Assam's Cachar district. It is expected to be fully operational by June 2029 and is a key initiative to improve rail connectivity between Manipur and the rest of India.
How much of the Imphal-Jiribam railway line has been completed?
Around 55 km of the railway line has been completed up to Khongsang in Tamenglong district. A further 9 km section to Awangkhul is expected to be completed by November 2026, with the Noney section targeted for December 2027 and the full line reaching Imphal by December 2028.
When will the Imphal Railway Station become operational?
The Imphal Railway Station building and operational offices are structurally complete, with finishing works currently underway. The station is expected to become operational as the broader Imphal-Jiribam corridor is progressively commissioned, with full operations slated by June 2029.
Why is rail connectivity critical for Manipur?
Manipur is a landlocked state heavily dependent on road networks that are frequently disrupted by weather, blockades, and other disturbances. A rail link to Guwahati and the completion of the Imphal-Jiribam corridor would reduce this dependence, lower freight costs, and ease travel for residents who currently face significant difficulties moving in and out of the state.
