Guwahati/Imphal, Aug 25: Manipur’s capital Imphal is expected to receive direct connectivity with the national railway network by June 2029, marking a major milestone in the expansion of rail infrastructure in the Northeast. The development will make Imphal the fifth Northeast capital city to be connected to the national railway network.
The 111-km Jiribam–Imphal New Railway Line, estimated to cost around ₹22,000 crore, is being constructed across challenging hilly and mountainous terrain. The project involves extensive tunnelling and bridge construction and is considered one of the region’s major infrastructure initiatives.
According to railway officials, the project includes 54 tunnels with a combined length of about 66.47 km, along with 15 major and 116 minor bridges. One of the most prominent structures is the railway bridge at Noney, which has a 141-metre-high pier and is nearing completion.
Another major engineering component is Tunnel No. 12, which will extend for approximately 11.55 km. Construction of the tunnels through difficult geological conditions requires advanced engineering methods and close attention to safety and quality standards.
The railway corridor will include 11 stations, including Jiribam, Vangaichungpao, Rani Gaidinliu, Kambiron Halt, Thingou, Khongsang, Awangkhul, Noney, Tupul, Haochong Road Halt and Imphal. These stations are expected to improve passenger mobility and facilitate the transportation of goods and essential commodities.
Railway authorities are regularly reviewing construction progress across different sections of the project. The Commissioner of Railway Safety is expected to inspect the Khongsang–Awangkhul section in October 2026.
The Jiribam–Imphal project, taken up in 2008 and subsequently declared a National Project, is expected to significantly strengthen Manipur’s connection with the rest of India. Better rail access could also support trade, tourism, logistics and broader economic activity in the state.
With commissioning targeted for June 2029, the project is poised to mark an important step in Northeast connectivity and bring Imphal firmly onto India’s national railway map.
