Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today inspected the ongoing development works at Imphal Railway Station in Imphal West District and reviewed the progress of the Imphal-Jiribam Railway Project, a major infrastructure initiative expected to significantly improve connectivity between Manipur and the rest of the country.
During the inspection, Deputy Chief Engineer Md. Samuel briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the railway project and the various construction activities being undertaken by the Indian Railways.
The 110-km Imphal-Jiribam Railway Project has so far completed approximately 55 km of railway line up to Khongsang in Tamenglong District. The remaining stretches are progressing, with another 9 km section up to Awangkhul expected to be completed by November 2026. The official said that it will be inaugurated very soon. The Noney section is targeted for completion by December 2027, while the railway line is expected to reach Imphal by December 2028.
At Imphal, the railway station building and operational offices have been structurally completed, with finishing works currently underway.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of introducing a passenger train service to Guwahati from Manipur, stating that it would greatly benefit the people of the State, particularly in view of the challenges they face while travelling outside Manipur. He informed that the State Government had submitted a proposal to the Union Railway Minister for introduction of the passenger train service and expressed hope that it would become operational within this year, further strengthening rail connectivity and providing greater convenience to the people.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that the issue of the passenger train service would be taken up when Union Railway Minister visit the state.
It was further informed that the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to visit Manipur by the end of this year while Vivek Khare, General Manager of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is likely to visit the State on 17th November 2026.
The inspection was also attended by MLA of Konthoujam Assembly Constituency Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, Director of Transport, and other State and Railways officials.
