Manipur Budget 2026–27 Allocates ₹914 Crore for Road Infrastructure
The Government of Manipur has earmarked ₹914 crore for road infrastructure development in the 2026–27 State Budget, with a strong focus on improving connectivity across both hill and valley regions.
Announcing the allocation in the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the funds would be utilised under the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
The investment is part of the state government’s broader strategy to strengthen transportation networks, improve rural access, and support economic growth in the region.
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Additional Support from Central Schemes
The Chief Minister noted that the ₹914 crore allocation would be supplemented by additional funds from several central government programmes, further expanding the state’s infrastructure capacity.
Key funding sources include:
• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
• North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER)
• Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)
These programmes aim to accelerate infrastructure development in the northeastern states by providing financial support for large-scale road and connectivity projects.
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₹430 Crore Expected for PMGSY Projects
Responding to a question raised by Opposition Leader K. Meghachandra Singh, the Chief Minister informed the House that the Central Government is expected to sanction ₹430 crore for PMGSY Phase-I and Phase-II projects in Manipur.
The funds are expected to help upgrade and complete rural road networks, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
PMGSY is considered one of India’s most important rural infrastructure programmes, designed to connect villages with all-weather roads, enabling easier movement of goods, services, and people.
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Clarification on PMGSY Project Status
During the Assembly discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address, former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh raised concerns regarding the status of PMGSY projects in the state.
Responding to the issue, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh clarified that PMGSY Phase-I and Phase-II projects in Manipur have not been cancelled, dismissing speculation about their discontinuation.
He further explained that PMGSY Phase-III had earlier been cancelled in the state due to certain administrative and technical issues, but the Central Government has assured that the scheme may resume once it receives approval from the Union Cabinet.
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Impact of Conflict on Infrastructure
The Chief Minister also highlighted the financial impact of the recent conflict in Manipur, stating that construction companies suffered losses of machinery and equipment worth over ₹50 croreduring the unrest.
This disruption affected ongoing infrastructure projects and delayed road construction activities in several parts of the state.
The government has informed Union Ministers about these losses and is seeking support to restart stalled infrastructure works.
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Importance of Rural Connectivity in Hill Areas
Manipur’s geography presents unique challenges for infrastructure development. According to the Chief Minister, around 70 percent of rural roads in the state are located in hill areas, where rugged terrain and landslides often make transportation difficult.
Because of these challenges, schemes like PMGSY play a crucial role in improving connectivity, particularly for communities living in remote villages.
Improved road infrastructure can help:
• Ensure faster access to healthcare and emergency services
• Improve transportation of agricultural products to markets
• Enhance education access for rural students
• Boost tourism and local economic development
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Government’s Infrastructure Vision
The ₹914 crore allocation reflects the state government’s commitment to modernising Manipur’s transportation network and ensuring that both hill and valley regions benefit from improved connectivity.
Officials believe that better roads will support economic recovery, promote regional development, and strengthen social integration across the state.
With continued support from the central government and coordinated implementation of infrastructure schemes, Manipur aims to build a more resilient and connected road network in the coming years.
