Manipur Chief Minister Advocates for Passenger Train Service to Guwahati

Imphal, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Manipur’s Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, has called for the initiation of a passenger train service connecting the state to Guwahati. During a visit to the Imphal railway station, he highlighted the significant advantages this service would bring to the landlocked region, particularly for residents who currently face challenges when traveling outside the state.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the state government has submitted a proposal to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the train service. He expressed optimism that the service could commence within this year, thereby strengthening rail connectivity and providing much-needed convenience for the public.

Khemchand Singh indicated that discussions regarding the passenger train service will take place when the Railway Minister visits the state later this year. As part of his visit, he also inspected ongoing development projects at the Imphal West district’s railway station and reviewed the progress of the Imphal-Jiribam railway project. This major infrastructure initiative is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Manipur and the rest of the country.

During the inspection, Deputy Chief Engineer Mo. Samuel briefed the Chief Minister on the project’s advancements and various construction efforts by Indian Railways. According to officials from the Chief Minister’s Office, approximately 55 kilometers of the 110-kilometer Imphal-Jiribam railway project has been completed up to Khongsang in Tamenglong district. Work is ongoing on the remaining sections, with a further 9-kilometer stretch to Awangkhul expected to be finished by November 2026.

Officials stated that the inauguration of the completed sections will occur soon. The Noney section is targeted for completion by December 2027, while the railway line is anticipated to reach Imphal by December 2028. The framework for the railway station and operational office in Imphal is already in place, with finishing touches underway.

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) General Manager Vivek Khare is expected to visit the state on November 17. The railway project, which connects Imphal to the Jiribam town near the southern border of Assam, is a crucial infrastructure initiative with an estimated cost of around ₹22,000 crore. It is projected to be fully operational by June 2029.