Manipur: Rs 914 crore earmarked for road infrastructure in 2026-27 budget

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday announced an allocation of Rs 914 crore for road infrastructure under the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), as the government prioritises strengthening connectivity across the state.

Presenting the Budget Estimates for 2026–27 in the Assembly, Khemchand Singh said the allocation would be supplemented by funds from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

Replying to a query raised by Opposition leader and Wangkhem MLA K. Meghachandra Singh during the general discussion on the budget, the Chief Minister said the Centre is set to sanction Rs 430 crore for PMGSY Phase-I and Phase-II projects in Manipur.

Addressing concerns raised by former Chief Minister and Thoubal MLA Okram Ibobi Singh during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address, Khemchand Singh clarified that PMGSY Phase-I and Phase-II projects in the state have not been cancelled.

He said Union Ministers were recently informed about the loss of machinery worth over Rs 50 crore during the conflict in Manipur.

While noting that PMGSY Phase-III had earlier been cancelled in Manipur due to certain issues, Khemchand Singh said the Centre has assured that funds for the phase would be sanctioned after approval from the Union Cabinet.

He added that nearly 70 per cent of rural roads in Manipur are located in hill areas, underlining the importance of PMGSY as a key flagship scheme aimed at improving rural connectivity.