The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved 50 National Highway projects in Manipur, covering a total length of 1,026 kilometers. Of these, 44 projects—spanning 902 kilometers—are dedicated to the state’s hilly areas, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in difficult terrains. As part of the initiative, eight projects to totalling 125 kilometers have already been completed in the hills. Currently, 36 more projects are underway, with a budget of Rs 120 billion allocated for the remaining 777 kilometers. These efforts aim to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and improve living standards in the region. For the 2024-25 Annual Plan, the Ministry has also approved two additional highway projects worth Rs 13.5 billion, targeting 90 kilometers in hilly regions, reinforcing its focus on sustainable infrastructure development. Alongside the highway projects, the Ministry is prioritizing improvements to state roads through the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). Out of 111 proposed works, 57 have been approved based on priority, highlighting the Ministry's responsiveness to state-level infrastructure needs. The Balance of Supply (BoS) ratio for approved projects has risen to 9.81, exceeding the permissible limit of 4 for hilly states. This adjustment demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to balancing development and regulatory compliance, ensuring sustainable infrastructure growth. These initiatives underline the Ministry’s proactive approach to enhancing Manipur’s road network, particularly in remote and challenging regions, fostering economic opportunities and better connectivity for residents. (Financial Express)