Imphal/New Delhi |Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi and pressed for the expedited implementation of several critical road infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity across the state.

During the meeting, Singh briefed the Union minister on measures taken by the state government to resolve long-standing hurdles affecting major national highway projects, including the strategically important Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur corridors.

According to officials from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the Chief Minister informed Gadkari that land compensation issues that had stalled work on National Highway-37, connecting Imphal and Jiribam, have now been resolved in Noney district following a revised land survey and subsequent approval by the state Cabinet.

With the compensation-related disputes settled, construction activities on the highway have resumed. Singh expressed optimism that the pace of work would accelerate in the coming months.

The Imphal-Jiribam Highway is regarded as Manipur’s principal lifeline, linking the state capital with Jiribam, the state’s only railhead. The route plays a vital role in transporting essential commodities, including fuel, medicines, food supplies and construction materials.

On the Imphal-Dimapur Highway project, Singh informed the Union minister that key issues in Kangpokpi district had also been addressed. He noted that a special package approved by the state Cabinet had helped move the project forward and reiterated the government’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure its timely completion.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns regarding the Imphal-Ukhrul-Jessami Highway, where unresolved land-related disputes continue to affect progress in certain stretches. He said the state government is actively engaging with local communities, landowners and other stakeholders to facilitate an early resolution and avoid further delays.

Highlighting the broader challenges facing infrastructure development in the state, Singh outlined ongoing efforts to address land acquisition and compensation matters, contractor-related concerns, local objections and various administrative bottlenecks that have slowed the execution of highway projects.

In addition to highway development, the Chief Minister sought the Union minister’s support for the proposed elevated highway project in Imphal. He emphasised that the project would significantly improve urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion and enhance connectivity within the capital city and surrounding areas.

Sources said Gadkari responded positively to the proposals and assured Singh that the requests, including the elevated corridor project, would receive due consideration from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The meeting comes as Manipur continues to prioritise infrastructure development as a key component of its economic growth and connectivity agenda.