Manipur and the wider Northeast are emerging as strategic growth hubs, powered by sweeping infrastructure upgrades and ₹1.5 lakh crore in new investments.
At the centre of this transformation is the 111-kilometre Jiribam-Imphal railway line, now nearing completion and featuring what will be the world’s tallest railway pier bridge. The project has already completed over 95% of its 52 tunnels, including the 10-kilometre Sangaihel Tunnel — set to become the longest in the region. Six new stations are ready, and bridges are being fast-tracked. Locals are optimistic. “It takes 10 hours to reach Silchar. With the train, it’ll be down to 4-5,” said Laishram Premjit, a resident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the Rising Northeast Summit, called the region “a frontrunner of growth” and a future gateway to Southeast Asia. He emphasised new infrastructure projects connecting India with Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, redefining Northeast India’s role in Indo-Pacific commerce. Major business groups have pledged significant investments. Reliance Industries will invest ₹75,000 crore to develop biogas plants, a cancer hospital in Manipur, and AI infrastructure. Jio 5G already covers 90% of the region. “It’s a privilege to support India’s youngest and fastest-growing region,” said Mukesh Ambani.
The Adani Group announced an additional ₹50,000 crore for roads, green energy, and skill centres, on top of ₹50,000 crore previously committed to Assam. “We’re investing in people, not just infrastructure,” said Gautam Adani. Vedanta Group revealed ₹80,000 crore in fresh commitments across oil, gas, minerals, and data centres. Social initiatives include digital classrooms and youth sports centres. “The region is rich in talent and resources,” said Chairman Anil Agarwal. Union Ministers underscored the region’s renewable energy potential, with over 147 GW possible from hydro and pumped storage. Mizoram’s solar parks and Assam’s green hydrogen plant signal the shift towards clean energy exports. The government has earmarked 10% of the national renewable budget for the Northeast. Over ₹38,000 crore in renewable MoUs were signed at the summit. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stressed inland waterway expansion and medical tourism, branding the region as a cornerstone of New Bharat.
As Manipur’s railway nears completion and economic corridors gain momentum, Northeast India is poised to become not only a vital link to ASEAN but a new axis of India’s prosperity.
