Centre Fast-Tracks Key Manipur Highway Project to Boost Economic Growth.

The Centre’s high-level Network Planning Group (NPG) convened on Monday to review eight key infrastructure projects across India, including the crucial Imphal-Kakching-Lamkhai Road project on NH-137A in Manipur.

The 44.517 km road improvement project, led by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is designed to enhance connectivity between Imphal, the state capital, and Kakching, an emerging agricultural and trade hub. Positioned strategically within the Indo-Myanmar corridor, the project aims to facilitate better access to the Moreh border trade point and integrate with the Asian Highway Network.

The upgraded NH-137A will significantly reduce travel time, enhance the movement of agricultural goods, and improve access to Loktak Lake, a major tourist attraction. The project is expected to boost socio-economic linkages, promote small-scale industries, and foster cross-border trade.

The NPG evaluated the projects based on the principles of PM GatiShakti, focusing on integrated multimodal infrastructure development, connectivity to economic and social hubs, intermodal links, and synchronized project implementation.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for the PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, commenced his visit to the Northeast states on Sunday, starting with the Namsai district in Arunachal Pradesh. The visit is part of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) to assess progress and address challenges in transforming these regions into models of inclusive growth.

During his three-day visit, Dr. Singh, accompanied by Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, held a high-level review meeting to evaluate performance indicators and administrative effectiveness in Namsai, focusing on key sectors such as health, education, nutrition, and infrastructure. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s directive for Union Ministers to spend at least 48 hours in aspirational districts, ensuring that development in these areas matches the best-performing regions in the country.

ET