Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta on Wednesday announced that the Central Government is accelerating major highway development projects worth Rs 120 billion across Manipur to strengthen connectivity and support regional growth. Speaking at a press briefing in Imphal, the Minister said the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is currently working on 11 National Highways in the state, covering 1,774 km. Of this, 747 km have already been upgraded and blacktopped, while a further 332 km are targeted for completion by the 2026–27 financial year. Tamta noted that 51 project packages are underway through NHIDCL and the State PWD. Although land acquisition and forest clearance issues delayed 35 packages, he said renewed efforts are being made to ensure timely delivery. Three major highway corridors — Imphal–Jiribam (NH-37), Yaingangpokpi–Finch Corner (NH-202) and Tamenglong–Mahur (NH-137) — as well as Churachandpur–Tuivai (NH-102B) and Maram–Peren (NH-129A), are expected to be completed by FY 2025–26. DPRs are being prepared for new projects including Churachandpur–Tipaimukh (NH-02, 262 km) and a greenfield alignment from Mao to Senapati (NH-02, 57.91 km). A 658 km Indo–Myanmar Border Road project is under feasibility study and is likely to be declared a National Highway soon. Connectivity with Nagaland is being strengthened along three expanding routes — Ukhrul–Jessami (NH-202), Mao Gate–Imphal (NH-02) and Maram–Peren (NH-129A) — each being upgraded from single-lane to two-lane standards. The Mao Gate–Senapati greenfield stretch is also nearing its final DPR stage. Tamta added that the DPR for the Imphal–Moirang four-laning project is close to completion. The crucial Imphal–Jiribam Highway (NH-37), a 203 km lifeline for Manipur, will be fully completed by FY 2025–26, with 152 km already upgraded and blacktopped. “These initiatives reflect the Government’s unwavering commitment to improving road infrastructure and regional connectivity, catalysing economic growth and enhancing accessibility across Manipur and the Northeast,” Tamta said. Earlier, the Minister visited Pherzawl district to review the progress of Central and State development projects. Accompanied by NHIDCL and State officials, he inspected the Community Health Centre at Parbung and chaired a review meeting on schemes such as PMGSY and PM-FME, as well as broader development plans for the district.