Imphal: The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, organised the third session of its “Meet the Press” series today at the DIPR Auditorium, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal. The session featured officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), Manipur, who briefed media persons on the department’s major road, bridge and urban infrastructure development projects being implemented across the State.
The department was represented by Ch. Uttam Singh, Project Director, Externally Aided Projects (EAP) and Additional Chief Engineer-III; Dr. Ng. Senior, Additional Chief Engineer-I; Ajmida Sahani, Superintending Engineer, National Highways, CRIF & NEC; Th. Komol Singh, Superintending Surveyor of Works (SSW), PWD; and L. Vivek Roy, Surveyor of Works (SW), PWD.
Addressing the media, Ch. Uttam Singh stated that the Public Works Department is undertaking extensive road, bridge and infrastructure development works throughout Manipur to strengthen connectivity, improve public infrastructure and accelerate socio-economic development.
He informed that PWD is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of nearly 10,000 kilometres of roads, around 100 bridges, besides various administrative and housing buildings across the State. The department is implementing projects under various 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), National Highways, North Eastern Council (NEC), Externally Aided Projects (EAP), State Budget and Deposit Works.
Under the CRIF, he said 15 road works sanctioned during FY 2020-21 have largely been completed, while projects sanctioned during FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 are progressing at different stages. Under the Setu Bandhan Bridge Scheme, four bridges sanctioned during FY 2023-24 are also under execution.
Regarding the RIDF, Uttam Singh stated that several road and bridge projects sanctioned between FY 2020-21 and FY 2023-24 have been completed.
He further informed that under the SASCI, rigid pavement roads covering nearly 100 kilometres are being constructed in 11(eleven) district headquarters at an estimated cost of Rs. 174.59 crore. In addition, 10 Working Women Hostels are being constructed across the State at a cost of Rs. 149 crores. He also stated that after the formation of the new Government in February 2026, 321 development works covering all 60 Assembly Constituencies have been sanctioned during FY 2025-26 at a cost of Rs. 319.75 crore.
Highlighting National Highway works, he said PWD maintains 292.64 kilometres of National Highways in the State, while improvement works on NH-137A, NH-102A, NH-02, NH-37, NH-202 and NH-102 are under implementation.
Uttam Singh also informed that the North Eastern Council (NEC) has sanctioned several important infrastructure projects, including road improvement works and the construction of an International Convention Centre at Keikol at an estimated cost of Rs. 166.87 crore.
Apart from road infrastructure, he said PWD is implementing several important public building projects, including the Modern Forensic Laboratory at Pangei, District Sports Complex at Kangpokpi, Multipurpose Indoor Hall and Cycling Velodrome at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, and the District Court Building at Churachandpur. Under the State Budget, the department continues to undertake road maintenance and minor improvement works under Major Head (MH) 3054.
He reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of all ongoing projects and providing durable, resilient and quality infrastructure for the people of Manipur.
Speaking on the Manipur Urban Road, Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project (MURDAMIP), Uttam Singh said the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)-funded project aims to comprehensively upgrade the urban road network across Greater Imphal by improving roads, drainage and long-term road asset management.
The project covers 547.28 kilometres of roads across Greater Imphal, including municipal areas and 77 villages in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, covering an area of 135.29 square kilometres. The total project cost is estimated at Rs. 3,647 crores, with civil works valued at Rs. 2,883 crores.
He stated that the project is being implemented in 16 Assembly Constituencies under four packages. It seeks to address deteriorated road conditions caused by weak subgrade, inadequate drainage, low bearing capacity and heavy monsoon rainfall by replacing damaged roads with 30-year design-life rigid concrete pavements. The project also includes construction of lined drainage systems, utility corridors, walkways, junction improvements, road safety features, new bridges, rehabilitation of existing bridges and the implementation of a Road Asset Management System (RAMS).
The RAMS component will utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI), remote sensing, drones, GIS and mobile applications to create a comprehensive road and bridge asset database, enabling scientific maintenance planning and evidence-based investment decisions.
Sharing the latest progress, Uttam Singh informed that Package-I has achieved 12.80 per cent physical progress, Package-II 20.13 per cent, Package-III 12.20 per cent and Package-IV 14.20 per cent, with the overall project progress reaching 15 per cent. Expenditure incurred so far stands at Rs. 317 crores.
He expressed confidence that upon completion, the MURDAMIP will significantly improve urban mobility, strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure and establish a modern road asset management system for the sustainable development of Greater Imphal.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which the PWD officials responded to queries raised by media persons regarding various ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects in the State
