Imphal: Imphal, the serene capital of Manipur, is on the cusp of a major urban transformation, with 17 out of 24 ambitious projects under the Smart City Mission already completed. The remaining seven are firmly on track for an August 2025 finish, promising a significant upgrade to the city’s infrastructure and public spaces. Imphal was handpicked in 2016 during the Fast Track Round of this prestigious national urban development initiative, securing a substantial allocation of Rs 550 crore.
According to Th. Harikumar Singh, CEO of Imphal Smart City Ltd., the core objective of these developments is to enhance urban living while meticulously preserving the city’s rich historical essence and addressing the needs of its residents. The ongoing efforts are a delicate balance of modernity and cultural respect, ensuring that Imphal evolves without losing its soul.
Among the standout completed projects is the stunning Kangla Nongpok Torban, a redeveloped stretch along the riverside. This green oasis now boasts dedicated walking and cycling paths, ample green spaces for relaxation, and even open-air gyms, transforming a previously underutilised area into a vibrant public hub. A stone’s throw away, the Nongpok Thong, the historic Eastern Gate of Kangla Fort, has been meticulously reconstructed, mirroring its original design and restoring a crucial piece of the city’s heritage. Singh emphasised that the riverside development is a testament to creating accessible green spaces that breathe new life into dormant parts of the city.
Beyond large-scale projects, the Smart City Mission has also brought tangible improvements to daily life. Public infrastructure enhancements include comfortable seating arrangements strategically placed along bustling commercial areas like Thangal Bazar. These additions have garnered positive feedback from residents, who appreciate their practicality for those needing a brief respite while navigating the city’s busy thoroughfares.
Looking ahead, key ongoing projects promise further advancements. The city is developing a Rs 187 crore Integrated Command and Control Centre, a central nervous system for urban management that will streamline various civic services. Smart parking systems are also in the pipeline to ease traffic congestion, and a cultural plaza on Thangal Road is being crafted to serve as a pedestrian-friendly zone, encouraging community interaction and cultural activities. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent unrest in the region, city officials remain confident, asserting that project execution is well on schedule.
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