Manipur PWD outlines progress on highways, bridges and urban infrastructure, highlighting the Rs 3,647-crore MURDAMIP and Rs 1,660-crore Imphal Ring Road Project.
Imphal, July 14: The Public Works Department (PWD), Manipur, has outlined the progress of several major infrastructure projects across the state, highlighting ongoing investments in roads, bridges, urban transport and public buildings aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic congestion and strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure.
The department presented an overview of its ongoing works during the third session of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR)'s "Meet the Press" series held at the DIPR Auditorium in Imphal on Tuesday.
The briefing was attended by Project Director (Externally Aided Projects) and Additional Chief Engineer-III Ch. Uttam Singh, Additional Chief Engineer-I Dr. Ng. Senior, Superintending Engineer (National Highways, CRIF & NEC) Ajmida Sahani, Superintending Surveyor of Works Th. Komol Singh and Surveyor of Works L. Vivek Roy.
Nearly 10,000 km of Roads Under PWD
Addressing the media, Ch. Uttam Singh stated that the department is responsible for maintaining and upgrading nearly 10,000 kilometres of roads, around 100 bridges, besides numerous government offices and residential buildings across Manipur.
He noted that infrastructure projects are being executed under multiple funding sources, including the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF-NABARD), Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), North Eastern Council (NEC), National Highways, Externally Aided Projects (EAP), the State Budget and Deposit Works.
According to the department, most of the 15 road projects sanctioned under CRIF during the 2020-21 financial year have already been completed. Road projects approved during 2023-24 and 2024-25 are progressing at various stages, while four bridges sanctioned under the Setu Bandhan Scheme during 2023-24 are currently under construction.
Under RIDF-NABARD, several road and bridge projects sanctioned between 2020-21 and 2023-24 have also been completed.
Development Works Across All 60 Constituencies
Highlighting works funded under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), Uttam Singh informed that rigid pavement roads covering nearly 100 kilometres are being constructed across the headquarters of 11 districts at an estimated cost of Rs 174.59 crore.
The department is also constructing 10 Working Women Hostels across Manipur with an estimated investment of Rs 149 crore.
He further disclosed that after the formation of the new state government in February 2026, 321 development projects covering all 60 Assembly constituencies were sanctioned during the 2025-26 financial year at a total cost of Rs 319.75 crore.
National Highway Projects Progressing
PWD currently maintains 292.64 kilometres of National Highways within Manipur. Improvement works are underway on NH-137A, NH-102A, NH-02, NH-37, NH-202 and NH-102, which form critical transport corridors connecting different parts of the state.
The department also highlighted several projects funded by the North Eastern Council, including important road improvement works and the proposed International Convention Centre at Keikol, estimated to cost Rs 166.87 crore.
Rs 1,660-Crore Imphal Ring Road Planned
One of the flagship projects discussed during the briefing was the proposed Imphal Ring Road Project (IRRP).
Supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project aims to reduce chronic traffic congestion in Imphal by developing a sustainable urban transport network.
The proposed ring road will span 51.23 kilometres, including 33.73 kilometres of existing roads and 17.50 kilometres of greenfield alignment, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,660 crore.
Besides widening and constructing roads, the project includes:
· Three major bridges
· Six minor bridges
· Footpaths and drainage systems
· Junction improvements
· Road safety infrastructure
· Electric buses and e-rickshaws to promote sustainable public transport
However, officials clarified that the loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank has not yet been signed. Once approved, the construction period is expected to be two years and four months, followed by five years of maintenance.
AIIB-Funded Rs 3,647-Crore Urban Road Project
The department also highlighted the Manipur Urban Road, Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project (MURDAMIP), one of the largest urban infrastructure projects currently planned in the state.
Financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the project has an estimated cost of Rs 3,647 crore, including civil works worth Rs 2,883 crore.
The project seeks to comprehensively upgrade urban roads across Greater Imphal, covering 547.28 kilometres of roads spread across municipal areas and 77 villages in Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
It covers an area of approximately 135.29 square kilometres and is being implemented across 16 Assembly constituencies under four construction packages.
Officials explained that the project is designed to address long-standing issues such as deteriorated road conditions, inadequate drainage, weak subgrade and recurring monsoon-related damage.
Existing roads will be replaced with 30-year design-life rigid concrete pavements, while new drainage systems, utility corridors, pedestrian walkways, bridges, junction improvements and road safety features will also be developed.
Artificial Intelligence for Road Management
A key innovation under MURDAMIP is the proposed Road Asset Management System (RAMS).
The department said the system will use Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, remote sensing technologies and mobile applications to prepare a comprehensive digital inventory of roads and bridges.
Officials said the technology-driven platform would help authorities scientifically prioritise maintenance, monitor infrastructure conditions and make evidence-based investment decisions in the future.
Project Progress at 15%
Sharing the latest implementation status, Uttam Singh stated that:
· Package-I has achieved 12.80% physical progress.
· Package-II has reached 20.13%.
· Package-III stands at 12.20%.
· Package-IV has recorded 14.20% progress.
Overall, the project has achieved 15% physical progress, while expenditure has reached approximately Rs 317 crore.
Officials expressed confidence that the project would substantially improve urban mobility, strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure and modernise road management systems across Greater Imphal once completed.
Public Buildings Also Under Construction
Apart from transport infrastructure, PWD is also implementing several major public building projects across the state.
These include:
· Modern Forensic Laboratory at Pangei
· District Sports Complex at Kangpokpi
· Multipurpose Indoor Hall at Khuman Lampak
· Cycling Velodrome at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex
· District Court Building at Churachandpur
The department also continues to undertake routine road maintenance and minor improvement works under the State Budget through Major Head (MH) 3054.
Concluding the briefing, Uttam Singh reiterated the department's commitment to completing ongoing projects on schedule while ensuring quality, durability and resilience in infrastructure development.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion during which PWD officials responded to questions from journalists regarding ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects across Manipur.
