Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced a landmark development package valued at approximately Rs 5276 crore on Thursday, under the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Manipur’ initiative. This ambitious plan is set to significantly bolster infrastructure and disaster recovery across Manipur, targeting critical sectors such as transportation, disaster management, and healthcare. A key highlight of the package is the foundation stone laying for the Imphal Ring Road project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1776 crore. This project aims to address persistent traffic congestion in Imphal, the state capital. Once completed, the Ring Road is expected to enhance traffic flow, reduce travel times, and facilitate smoother movement of goods and services within the city.
In addition to the Ring Road, Chief Minister Singh provided an update on the Imphal-Jiribam railway line, a strategically vital project that will link Manipur to the national rail network. This 111-kilometer stretch, featuring the world’s tallest pier railway bridge at Noney, is poised to revolutionize regional transportation, boosting trade and mobility. Addressing the state’s vulnerability to natural disasters, Singh assured the public of the government’s commitment to disaster recovery and infrastructure rehabilitation. The development package includes provisions for rebuilding homes and repairing roads and bridges damaged by recent floods and hailstorms. These measures are part of a broader strategy to enhance the state’s resilience to future natural calamities.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, with 11 new health projects under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, integrated into the Emergency Covid Response Plan. These initiatives aim to improve healthcare access and outcomes in both urban and rural areas.
