Manipur is undergoing a major infrastructure shift as the Indian Railways advances work on the 111-kilometre-long Jiribam-Imphal railway line, a project poised to significantly enhance the state’s connectivity and economic outlook.
Despite the region’s complex terrain, construction is progressing swiftly, with key milestones already achieved. Among the most notable achievements is the near completion of the world’s tallest railway pier bridge. In addition, tunnelling works are well ahead, with over 59 kilometres of the total 61.32 kilometres completed. The project involves 52 tunnels, including the upcoming Sangaihel Tunnel—set to be the Northeast’s longest railway tunnel at nearly 10 kilometres. Twin parallel tunnels are being built here to ensure operational efficiency and safety during emergencies. According to project officials, tunnelling is expected to be completed by 2027. A newly developed vertical shaft, the first of its kind in the Northeast Frontier Railway zone, is expected to accelerate further tunnel work. Bridge construction is also on track, with five of the eleven major bridges completed and 81 of 138 minor bridges finalised. Progress in station infrastructure is steady, with six out of eleven new stations now built. Khongsang station in Noney district is already operational, offering new travel options to residents who have long faced travel delays and high transport costs.
The positive reception from local communities underlines the project’s potential to improve daily life. Laishram Premjit, a resident, shared that current travel to Silchar or Assam takes over ten hours. “With the new railway, it could be reduced to just four or five hours. Transporting goods will be faster and cheaper too,” he said. The railway development is not only improving logistics but also contributing to local harmony and employment. Arvind Kumar, a labourer from Bihar involved in the construction, observed, “People from different states are working together here. Conditions are improving, and life is becoming more stable.” Once operational, the Jiribam-Imphal railway line is expected to reduce the state’s geographical isolation, ease movement of goods and people, and boost economic integration with the rest of India.
As the project nears key milestones, it promises to reshape the region’s future with faster travel, better trade, and stronger community ties.
