Centre approves 44 road projects in hill areas
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 22 2024: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved 50 National Highway projects across the state, covering a total distance of 1,026 kilometres.

Of these, 44 projects spanning 902 kilometres are specifically targeted at developing roadways in the hilly areas.

As part of the initiative, eight of these projects with a total length of 125 kilometres have already been completed in the hill areas.

Another 36 projects are Underway with a budget of Rs 12,000 crore allocated for completing the remaining 777 kilometres.

The upgraded infrastructure is expected to significantly improve accessibility and mobility, thereby stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for people in the state.

In line with these efforts, the ministry has allocated additional funds under the Annual Plan for financial year 2025, setting aside Rs 1,350 crore for two more National Highway projects.

These will cover an additional 90 kilometres in the hill areas of the state.

The announcement came in the wake of a meeting between chief minister N Biren and union minister of road transport Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Monday.

The discussions centred on expediting the ongoing highway projects and introducing new initiatives to further enhance the state's infrastructure.

Following the meeting, CM Biren took to social media and expressed optimism about the progress.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), hestated: "Engaged in a productive discussion with Hon'ble Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Ji to address challenges and accelerate the progress of ongoing highway projects in Manipur during the Review Meeting of National Highway Projects in the North-East, held today in New Delhi".

Apart from the development of the National Highways, the ministry is also focused on improving state roads under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).

In response to a priority list submitted by the government of Manipur, 57 out of 111 proposed projects have been sanctioned.

These initiatives are expected to address key infrastructural gaps and enhance transportation in both urban and rural areas.

Commenting on these developments, CM Biren highlighted that the ongoing road projects would open new economic opportunities for the state and foster deeper integration of its hill areas into the broader economic framework of the country.

"These projects will pave the way for increased economic activities and improve connectivity for local communities, helping to bring development to even the most remote areas," he stated.

Nitin Gadkari also shared updates on similar projects in neighbouring Nagaland.

On Monday, Gadkari reviewed the progress of 29 National Highway projects covering 545 kilometres in Nagaland during a meeting in Delhi with Nagaland's deputy chief minister TR Zeliang and other senior officials.

He emphasised the need to accelerate the construction of highways keeping in mind sustainability and cost-efficiency as part of a broader effort to boost connectivity and economic growth in the region.

The 57 road infrastructure projects under the CRIF in the valley districts include Takyel Ghari Road from Naoremthong to NH-02 Tiddim Road & its peripheral roads; Changangei Taobungkhok Road from NH-02 Tiddim Road to NH-37 Road & its interconnecting roads; interconnecting roads of Takyel & Langjing; RIMS Road to Cheiraoching; Sangaithel Lamkhai to Kotlen; Iroisemba Bridge to Lamdeng; Khurkhul Lamkhai Road to Lairenkabi Road; Chaprou Road to Singda Kadangban Road; major interconnecting roads at Sayang, Meino Leirak, Thangjam Leirak, Leimajam Leirak, Old Lambulane, and Paona Bazar in Sagolband AC; major connecting drains from Wahengbam Leikai to Tera, Naoremthong, and Amudon Leirak in Sagolband AC.

The list also include Phoijing Awang to Malom via Bamdiar & its connecting roads; Andro Road from Ngariyan Chingkhong to Andro Khoibu; Khurai Ahonggei toRDS Crossing including IVRs in and around Soibam Leikai; Khuman Palli Road, including interconnecting roads from Kabo Leikai to Khuman Lampak Main Stadium; Napet Palli to Nongdam; Kairam Palli Litan to Urup Makha Litan; roads in Kyamgei Muslim, Urup Naokal & Warok Chingya; Tangkham to Khundrakpam Ring Road; roads & cross drainage at Yaiskul Bamon Leirak, Keishamthong Turel Mapal, and surrounding areas; roads in St George Leirak, Takhelkhong Mapal, Sagai Chuthek, & Lane No 10.Lai Moriba to Khongman Atom Leirak & Samu Lambel; Lairenpat Oil Pump to Jubaraj Palli; Pangei to Pourabi; Tangkham Khundrakpam Ring Road; Luwangsangbam Liberal College to Matai Road; Thoubanthong to Khomidok including Kongba River areas and 7th MR approach road; Imphal East mini secretariat Road connecting Pong Lambi via AAA Road and JNIMS Mamang road; Porompat Road No 1 to Wakha, and No 2 Ayangpalli to Eco Park Leitembi; Bishnupur MI road; NH-02 to Leimaram Waroiching Mahadeva; Naorem Mayai Leikai to Ishok Bridge; Kabowakching Mamang Makha to Kabowakching Lai Haraobung Maning; Ishok Bridge to Ishok Turel Maning Leikai; Sanjenbam Awang Turel Mamang to Sanjenbam Makha Bridge; upgrade of road from Upokpi (NH-02) to Ningthoukhong Macha Ibema Road; Moirang Municipal areas; IVRs in Phubala, Sunusiphai, Naranseina, Thamnapokpi, Tronglaobi, Khudekpi, Leimaram, and Terakhongshangbi; IVRs within Kwakta GP & municipal areas; and Moirang Sendra Road to Keipha Road, Thamnapokpi are also among the approved projects.

The ministry also approved road projects for Kumbi Bridge to Ithai; Haotak Hillock, including hill cutting; new alignment & landslide clearance in Thanga, Naodakhong Hillock, and other areas; Chairel Mangjil Hillock, Khoijuman Tabi Hillock, and surrounding hill areas; Darul Uloom Idigah Road to Atoukhong; Lilong Bridge to Ushoipokpi; Yairipok Chandrakhong to Gwarok Pechi; Thoubal Kshetri Leikai internal roads; NH-102 to Leishangthem; Khangabok Wangjing Road; Khongjom to Langathel Thingel; Wangjing Kairenbhikhok to Tekcham Leikai Purana Heituipokpi; Heirok Parts I, II, & III; NH-.137A at Keirak Maning Leikai; Umathei Cheksapat to Kakching Khunou Lamkhai; Langmeidong Awang Leikai (Burma Sugnu Road) to Arong Nongmaikhong Police Station; and Sora NH-102(A) to Yaithibi Loukol.

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