New Delhi: M. Asnikumar Singh, a prominent figure in the BJP Manipur unit and former Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority, met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Tuesday at his official residence in New Delhi. The high-level discussion centred on crucial infrastructure projects aimed at bringing peace, improving connectivity, and boosting economic growth in Manipur. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for accelerated development and socio-economic stability in the state, especially given its current challenges.
The leaders delved into strategies for sustainable development, with a particular focus on tourism-led employment generation and strengthening road and transport infrastructure, especially in areas that have historically been underserved and remote. An official release stated that Asnikumar Singh presented a comprehensive proposal to address long-standing connectivity issues within the Thanga constituency. This proposal targets key areas such as Arong Tera, Laphupat, Komlakhong, and surrounding regions in Bishnupur, Imphal West, Kakching, and Thoubal districts—all areas that have grappled with difficult terrain and inadequate infrastructure.
Key elements of the proposal include the expansion and upgrading of the Moirang–Thanga Road, a vital strategic corridor for the local population. Additionally, a new bridge over Loktak Lake is planned to connect Mukap, Mandha, and Chingthi, enhancing inter-regional mobility. The proposal also advocates for integrating a 37-kilometre road segment into National Highway-2, which would significantly elevate its national strategic and economic importance. Singh emphasized that these initiatives are designed to transform the Thanga constituency, located within the culturally and economically rich Moirang Sub-division, by improving overall connectivity, boosting eco and heritage tourism, strengthening hospitality and service industries, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, especially for the youth and rural communities.
Singh also noted that this proposal aligns perfectly with the Government of India’s Act East Policy, aiming to bolster inter-state and sub-regional connectivity across national and international trade corridors within the Indo-Pacific framework. Singh expressed his appreciation for the Union Minister’s positive response, stating that Gadkari carefully reviewed the proposal, acknowledged its critical importance, and instructed ministry officials to fast-track its evaluation under the External Assistance Programme (EAP). The Minister also assured full support for the project’s execution. The proposal had previously received guidance and endorsement from the then Chief Minister of Manipur and the Minister of Public Works, with the PWD Secretariat initiating the necessary steps in January 2025 by directing the Chief Engineer to prepare a Concept Note and Detailed Project Report (DPR).
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