Progress on imphal airport expansion evaluated; government sets firm target for 2026 finish.

Additional Chief Secretary (Transport & TCI) Anurag Bajpai chaired a high-level review meeting on Thursday to assess the progress of ongoing construction works at Imphal International Airport, issuing firm deadlines to ensure that the new terminal and cargo facilities are completed by December 31, 2026.

The review was attended by key officials, including Transport Director Khumanthem Diana Devi, Deputy Secretary Orjubala Haorongbam, representatives of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), PWD engineers, and project teams from construction firms Yaishnand and Brahma.

Major Bottlenecks Highlighted

Construction companies reported several challenges slowing down progress, including:

• Poor road conditions near Dimapur, delaying movement of construction materials
• Lack of adequate water connection
• Need for increased electric load from MSPDCL
• Delay in starting the connecting road from the National Highway to the new terminal

They stressed that resolving these issues is essential to meet the targeted timeline.

Strict Instructions Issued

ACS Bajpai set department-wise timelines, calling the new terminal “critical for enhancing connectivity, passenger experience, and economic growth in Manipur.”

He directed:

• PWD → accelerate land acquisition and begin immediate construction of access roads
• Transport Department → expedite coordination with PHED and MSPDCL for water and power upgrades
• PWD & Contractors → maintain strict adherence to project schedules

On-Site Inspection

After the meeting, Bajpai inspected the:

• Terminal building
• Apron and tarmac
• ATC tower

Officials briefed him that truss installation is ongoing, and roofing is expected to start after April 2026. The new ATC tower is already complete.

Cargo Terminals & Hangar Progress

The ACS also inspected the newly built domestic and international cargo terminals, which have been handed over to AAI and are expected to be operational by February 2026.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the new aircraft hangar being constructed by a local contractor. He set a March 31, 2026 deadline, calling the hangar essential for:

• Early morning flights
• Late-night operations
• Future international services

Helicopter Terminal Reviewed

Bajpai further reviewed the state-operated helicopter terminal and ordered immediate repairs and upgradation to improve operational efficiency.