Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on October 15 that the resumption of free movement along National Highway-2 (NH-2) has boosted the state’s economy, which suffered significant setbacks following the crisis that began in May 2023. Speaking at the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan in Tadubi, Senapati district, he highlighted the economic impact of prolonged bandhs and blockades.
Singh estimated that Manipur lost around ₹1,200 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections between 2023 and 2026. He also announced plans to improve rural road connectivity and establish a medical college in Senapati district. Furthermore, he appealed to communities across the state to work together to restore peace, harmony and economic stability.
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Key Facts About Manipur’s NH-2 and Development Plans
- Chief Minister: Yumnam Khemchand Singh
- Event: Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
- Location: Tadubi, Senapati district, Manipur
- Estimated GST revenue loss: ₹1,200 crore between 2023 and 2026
- Road development allocation: Around ₹10 crore per Assembly constituency
- Highway: National Highway-2, connecting Imphal to Guwahati via Dimapur
- Public transport resumed: August 21
- Major announcement: Proposed medical college in Senapati district
NH-2 Free Movement Supports Economic Recovery
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the resumption of free movement along NH-2 has helped revive economic activities in Manipur. The highway serves as an important transport link between Imphal and Guwahati via Dimapur.
According to Singh, the crisis that began on May 3, 2023, severely affected the state’s economy. Moreover, repeated bandhs and blockades disrupted transportation, trade and everyday activities.
He estimated that the state suffered a loss of approximately ₹1,200 crore in GST collections between 2023 and 2026. The disruption also affected daily-wage workers, students, traders and other residents who depend on regular transport services.
Public transport services along NH-2 in Manipur resumed on August 21. Singh appreciated the people of Maram, Tadubi and Mao in Senapati district for cooperating in restoring free movement along the highway.
Manipur Government Plans ₹10 Crore for Rural Roads
The Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s efforts to improve connectivity in rural and remote areas. He said the government had earmarked around ₹10 crore in the budget for each Assembly constituency to construct inter-village roads (IVRs).
These roads aim to improve connections between villages and nearby towns. Consequently, better road infrastructure could help residents access markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services more easily.
Improved connectivity may also support local businesses and create better opportunities for rural communities. In a state where transportation disruptions have affected economic activity, reliable road links remain important for long-term development.
Medical College Planned for Senapati District
Singh also announced plans to establish a medical college in Senapati district. The proposed institution aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand access to medical education in the hill districts.
He referred to the establishment of a medical college in Churachandpur district during the previous term of the government. According to Singh, expanding such facilities across the hill districts can help promote more balanced development.
However, the announcement did not specify a construction timeline, project cost or proposed opening date for the Senapati medical college.
CM Appeals for Peace and Community Harmony
During the programme, Singh expressed concern about growing reluctance among Meiteis, Nagas and Kukis to identify themselves as Manipuris. He urged people from different communities to rebuild trust and work towards lasting peace.
He emphasised that dialogue and collective efforts could help resolve differences. Additionally, he called on residents to place national identity and shared belonging at the centre of efforts to restore harmony.
The Chief Minister also noted that prolonged unrest affects ordinary citizens most severely. Therefore, restoring peace remains essential for improving livelihoods, strengthening public services and supporting economic recovery.
Seva Sankalp Abhiyan Promotes Public Service
Singh attended the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan at Tadubi local ground in Senapati district on October 15. The programme forms part of a nationwide initiative marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service and promoting good governance.
During his address, Singh referred to Modi’s vision for India’s economic growth. He stated that India had moved from being the world’s 11th-largest economy before Modi assumed office to the fourth-largest economy.
Singh also explained that he had personally decided to attend the Tadubi programme following the death of former MLA N Kayisii in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What did the Manipur Chief Minister say about NH-2?
Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the resumption of free movement along NH-2 has supported economic recovery in Manipur.
2. How much GST revenue did Manipur reportedly lose?
The Chief Minister estimated a loss of around ₹1,200 crore between 2023 and 2026.
3. How much funding has the government earmarked for inter-village roads?
The government has earmarked around ₹10 crore per Assembly constituency for inter-village road construction.
4. What new healthcare project did the Chief Minister announce?
Singh announced plans to establish a medical college in Senapati district.
5. Why is NH-2 important for Manipur?
NH-2 connects Imphal to Guwahati via Dimapur and plays an important role in transportation, trade and the movement of people and goods.
Importance for Northeast India
Manipur’s road connectivity is vital to trade, public transport and access to essential services across Northeast India. The restoration of movement along NH-2, combined with proposed road and healthcare projects, could support economic recovery and improve access to opportunities in the state’s hill districts.
Ultimately, the Chief Minister stressed that lasting peace, stronger connectivity and equitable development are essential to Manipur’s progress.
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