Nitin Gadkari peruses Loktak connectivity project proposal
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 07 2025: Union minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari has formally responded to a proposal submitted by BJP Manipur Pradesh senior spokesperson and former chairman of Loktak Development Authority, M Asnikumar, regarding a critical connectivity project involving the Loktak Lake.

In a letter sent on Monday, Gadkari acknowledged receipt of the proposal submitted on May 28."I am in receipt of your letter regarding upgrade of the Moirang-Thanga road and the construction of a new bridge over Loktak Lake, connecting Mukap, Mandha, and Chingthi.

I am having the matter looked into for action," the minister stated.

The Loktak connectivity project seeks to address long-standing transportation challenges in Thanga.and Mayang Imphal constituencies by upgrading the Moirang-Thanga Road via Keibul Lamjao and Sendra to Sekmaijin via Thanga, and constructing a one-kilometre green bridge across Loktak Lake.

The proposed bridge will link Pukhrambam Hill in Thanga, Bishnupur district, to Chingthi Hill in Komlakhong, Imphal West district.

The proposal also includes incorporating the upgraded road and bridge into National Highway 2.The initiative aims to create seamless links between Thanga, Moirang, and major national routes such as Tiddim Road (NH-2), Mayai Lambi (NH-137A), and the Indo-Myanmar Highway (ASEAN Highway/AH), aligning with India's Act East Policy and strategic connectivity goals in the Indo-Pacific region.

The proposal was personally followed up by Asnikumar during a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, on June 14.Ministry officials handed over an official acknowledgment letter from Gadkari referencing the proposal and assured Asnikumar that the matter was being taken seriously.

They informed him that while the final approval may require clearance from the Prime Minister's Office, necessary steps were being taken to expedite the process.

Describing the project as transformative, Asnikumar said that the initiative would significantly enhance connectivity and access to key ecological, cultural, and historical sites such as INA Memorial Complex in Moirang, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Loktak Lake, and Sangai Ethnic Park.

He conveyed that the improved infrastructure would give a major boost to eco-tourism and heritage tourism, while creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities and local youth.

Asnikumar urged the Ministry to consider the project under the External Assistance Scheme to ensure it is developed to international standards with an emphasis on long-term regional development and sustainability.

Comment