Guwahati, August 25: Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is set to become the fifth capital city in the northeastern region to connect with the national railway network by June 2029. The ongoing Jiribam-Imphal new railway line project is expected to be completed by this deadline.
A senior official from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) stated that the 111-kilometer rail project, linking Jiribam to Imphal, is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹22,000 crores. Jiribam is located in Manipur and borders the Cachar district of southern Assam.
Currently, the capitals of Assam (Dispur, near Guwahati), Tripura (Agartala), Arunachal Pradesh (Itanagar), and Mizoram (Aizawl) are already connected to the Indian railway network.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Berabri-Sairang rail section in Aizawl on September 13, 2025. This 51.38-kilometer rail line connects the capital of Mizoram to the railway network.
According to officials, the Jiribam-Imphal new railway line project is one of the most challenging railway projects in the northeastern region. The route traverses hilly and difficult terrains, necessitating the construction of numerous tunnels and bridges.
Recently, Ashish Bansal, General Manager of NFR (Construction), inspected the Jiribam-Khongsang, Khongsang-Awangkhul, and Awangkhul-Imphal sections of the project. He reviewed the progress of various construction works and assessed critical railway infrastructure associated with the project.
During the inspection, the General Manager visited Tunnel No. 28 and Tunnel No. 12 to evaluate the progress of tunnel construction.
Officials indicated that the Railway Safety Commissioner (CRS) may inspect the Khongsang-Awangkhul section in October 2026.
A notable feature of this project is its extensive tunnel network. A total of 54 tunnels are being constructed, with a cumulative length of approximately 66.47 kilometers.
Among these, Tunnel No. 12 will be the longest railway tunnel in India, measuring 11.55 kilometers, surpassing the famous Pir Panjal tunnel on the Banihal-Kazigund rail line in Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials stated that constructing these tunnels in challenging geological and hilly conditions exemplifies engineering excellence. It requires advanced technology, stringent safety standards, and quality control.
The project also includes the construction of 15 major and 116 minor bridges. Notably, Bridge No. 164, located in Noney district, features the world’s tallest railway pier, standing at 141 meters, and is in its final construction phase.
The bridges are being built to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement of trains and road traffic. The Jiribam-Imphal new railway line will have a total of 11 railway stations, including Jiribam, Wangjingchungpao, Kambrion Halt, Thingou, Khongsang, Awangkhul, Noney, Tupul, Haochong Road Halt, and Imphal.
These stations will provide better rail facilities to local residents and become vital hubs for passenger and freight transport.
During the inspection, General Manager Ashish Bansal emphasized safety, construction quality, and timely project completion. He instructed officials and staff to continuously monitor construction activities and promptly address any issues.
Officials noted that the completion of the Jiribam-Imphal rail line will significantly enhance connectivity for Manipur with other parts of the country. This will provide passengers with faster and more reliable transportation options, facilitating the movement of essential goods and commodities. The project is expected to give a new impetus to the region’s economic and social development.
The 111-kilometer Jiribam-Imphal broad gauge railway project was initiated in 2008 and has been designated as a national project due to its significance.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has previously stated that his government will provide all possible support to ensure the timely completion of this crucial project, enabling the state capital to connect with the nationwide railway network.
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