December 2026 target set for completion of strategic NH-37 in Manipur
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has set a December 2026 target to make National Highway-37 "comfortably motorable." NH-37, connecting Imphal to Silchar, gained strategic importance during the Kuki-Meitei ethnic conflict as a safer alternative to NH-2. The ₹1,300-crore project, sanctioned in 2022, aims to widen and upgrade 203 km of the highway, including fortifying landslide-prone areas and replacing old bridges. Despite challenges like land disputes and recurring damage during monsoons, the project is 85-90% complete, significantly reducing travel time.
Key Points
- NHIDCL aims to complete the upgrade of National Highway-37 in Manipur by December 2026, making it fully motorable.
- NH-37 serves as a crucial lifeline connecting Imphal to Silchar, gaining strategic importance during ethnic conflicts.
- The ₹1,300-crore project involves widening, fortifying landslide areas, and replacing bridges along 203 km of the highway.
- Challenges faced include land disputes, natural calamities, and increased traffic due to NH-2 closure, but the project is nearing completion.
Exam Facts
- National Highway-37 connects Imphal (Manipur) to Silchar (Assam).
- Target completion date for NH-37 upgrade: December 2026.
- Project cost: ₹1,300 crore, sanctioned in 2022.
- NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited) is executing the project.
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