Cabinet approves upgradation of Manipur highway connecting Myanmar

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved widening and upgradation of the 65-km-long Imphal-Moreh National Highway which will increase the international connectivity of India.

The proposed NH-39 from Imphal to Moreh near, which will end near the Myanmar border, would reduce travel time from three-and-a-half hours to one hour and 45 minutes and would cost approximately Rs.1,630 crore.

"The project is of international importance as it would make it possible to travel from India to Myanmar and even Bangkok by road. This road will provide international connectivity and ease of business with Myanmar and Bangkok," Gadkari Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said in a press briefing here.

He further said that the constriction of this road is very beneficial of trade and economy as well as for the security purposes.

"This road will give new direction for the upliftment of North-east region. It is also crucial for socio-economic development of the region," he said.

Gadkari added that the project would create employment opportunities in Manipur and would prove to be the growth engine of the region.

He further said that northeast region has been a priority for the ruling government and it has already started road infrastructure projects worth Rs 50,000 crore and its target is to have projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the 5 years.