MANIPUR: Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, laid the foundation stone for 16 national highway projects in Manipur and inaugurated the Makru Bridge on Monday, July 12. The project called for an investment of Rs 4148 crores with a total length of 298 km. The inauguration event was held at the City Convention Centre in Imphal with N Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, and other cabinet ministers. The inaugurated Makru Bridge is situated along the Imphal-Jiribam Road on NH-37.
The Imphal-Jiribam Road is one of the two roads that connect Manipur with the rest of the country. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the highways will help in the socio-economic progress of the region, giving a boost to the region’s agriculture. The project will also allow for easier connectivity of the area to emergency services, healthcare services and increase employment opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Gadkari said that the central government will be launching new projects worth Rs 25,000 crore in the next two years. The annual plan for the state has also been increased to Rs 5000 crore from the earlier Rs 300 crore. He added his appreciation of seeing the fast-paced growth and progress of Manipur. Gadkari said that the socio-economic transformation depends upon the vision of the leadership. He further stated that he has full faith that under Chief Minister Singh, Manipur will transform socio-economically.