New Delhi

In a significant boost to infrastructure in the northeast, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved 50 National Highway (NH) projects totaling 1,026 kilometers in Manipur. This announcement follows Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s call for improved connectivity in the region during a review of 29 NH projects spanning 545 kilometers in Nagaland.

Among the 50 approved projects in Manipur, 44 projects, covering 902 kilometers, are located in hilly areas. Currently, eight of these projects, accounting for 125 kilometers, have been completed, while 36 projects worth ₹12,000 crore for 777 kilometers are underway. The Annual Plan for 2024-25 includes two NH projects, amounting to ₹1,350 crore, with a combined length of 90 kilometers in the hills.

Under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), the ministry has prioritized state roads as outlined by the State Government, approving 57 out of 111 proposed works.

During a recent meeting in New Delhi, Gadkari emphasized the urgency of enhancing mobility infrastructure in Nagaland, focusing on sustainability and cost-effectiveness. He noted that these initiatives will significantly boost connectivity, stimulate local economies, and integrate the region further into India’s development. Gadkari remarked that the new highways are essential to realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for growth and prosperity in the region.