Centre highlights progress in Highway, trade and sports infrastructure in Manipur

The Government of India has said that significant steps are being taken to boost connectivity and infrastructure in Manipur, with major road projects, trade facilities, and sports development initiatives currently underway.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region Dr. Sukanta Majumdar informed that the Centre is mandating 55 non-exempted Ministries and Departments to spend at least 10 per cent of their Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) on the North Eastern Region, including Manipur, to ensure overall development.
On logistics and trade connectivity, the Minister stated that two projects in Manipur have been approved under the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES). These include the establishment of an Integrated Cargo Terminal at Imphal International Airport and the construction of the Main Exhibition Building (Phase II) at the Trade-cum-Permanent Exhibition Centre in Imphal. Both projects are aimed at strengthening export potential from the state and enhancing its trade infrastructure.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also been giving special attention to Manipur’s connectivity. In the last three years, 686 km of roads have been constructed in the state, while 35 projects covering 784 km and worth Rs.11,783 crore are presently ongoing. Among the upcoming developments are the Finch Corner to Ukhrul stretch of National Highway 202 with a total length of 14.63 km and a cost of Rs.242.68 crore, as well as two packages of the Shangshak to Tengnoupal section of National Highway 102A. The first package covers 38.70 km at an estimated cost of Rs.502.06 crore, while the third package extends to 48 km with a cost of Rs.777.61 crore.
On sports development, Dr. Majumdar explained that while the responsibility for sports lies primarily with state governments, the Centre supplements these efforts by bridging critical gaps. The establishment of the country’s first-ever National Sports University in Imphal reflects this commitment. The government has also been implementing schemes such as Khelo India and the Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme to strengthen facilities in Manipur.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has instituted National Centres of Excellence across the country, including in Manipur, to groom high-potential athletes for international competitions. In addition, SAI Training Centres in the state are identifying and nurturing young athletes across various disciplines. Special centres for indigenous games and martial arts have also been introduced to promote traditional sports forms that are culturally rooted and widely practiced in the region.
The government underlined that the combination of improved highways, enhanced trade infrastructure, and a strengthened sports ecosystem is expected to contribute significantly to both economic growth and youth empowerment in Manipur.