Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday, 24 May inspected the upcoming extension campus of Manipur Technical University (MTU) at Heirok in Thoubal district, directing officials to fast-track construction and ensure academic activities begin by the July–August session. The visit underscores the state government's push to expand technical education infrastructure in a region where institutional access has historically been limited.

Current Status of the Campus

Chief Minister Singh reviewed ongoing construction and found progress satisfactory. In a post on his official X account, he stated: "The project is in its final phase, with the laboratory buildings and engineering workshop nearing completion. The overall progress is satisfactory, and the institution is expected to become operational soon."

An official from the Chief Minister's Office confirmed that the site was originally developed for a proposed Heirok Engineering College under MTU, but was subsequently converted into a full extension campus of the university.

Key Directives Issued

During the inspection, Chief Minister Singh directed the Public Works Department (PWD) Chief Engineer to blacktop the six-kilometre road connecting the campus to National Highway-102 (Imphal–Moreh Road). He further assured that boundary walls, drains, and footpaths would be constructed within the campus premises.

The Chief Minister also reviewed drinking water supply and electricity connectivity at the site, assuring the local MLA that both services would be upgraded at the earliest.

University Plans Academic Rollout by July

MTU Vice-Chancellor W. Chandbabu Singh informed the Chief Minister that the university intends to commence some academic classes at the extension campus from the upcoming session beginning in July–August. The timeline signals a concrete near-term target after years of planning and construction.

Notably, the conversion from a standalone engineering college to an MTU extension campus broadens the institutional scope, potentially allowing the facility to offer a wider range of technical programmes under the university framework.

Broader Development Review in Heirok

Beyond the MTU campus, Chief Minister Singh conducted a wider review of public infrastructure in Heirok. He inspected the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya of Thoubal district — currently operating from a temporary state government building — and interacted with teachers and students, also planting saplings on the school premises.

The Chief Minister visited the community health centre at Heirok, reviewed available healthcare facilities, and assured doctors that existing infrastructure would be upgraded. He also inspected market sheds at the Women's Market in Heirok.

Villagers lined both sides of the road to welcome the Chief Minister's convoy as it passed through the area. Singh was accompanied by Heirok Assembly constituency MLA Thokchom Radhesyham Singh, MTU Vice-Chancellor W. Chandbabu Singh, and Education Commissioner Ningthoujam Geoffrey.

What Comes Next

With laboratory buildings and the engineering workshop nearing completion, the MTU Heirok campus is poised to receive its first batch of students in the coming months. The road-blacktopping directive and utility upgrades will be critical to making the campus fully functional before the academic session begins. All eyes are now on whether the July–August target holds.