Ukhrul, September 13: On his first visit to Manipur since the conflict erupted on May 3, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the state as a “vital pillar of India’s progress” while addressing a programme to launch development initiatives in Churachandpur.
The Prime Minister upon his arrival in Churachandpur via Mizoram by road on Saturday afternoon, met internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Kuki and Zomi communities, laid the foundation for projects worth Rs 7,300 crore, and addressed a public gathering at the Peace Ground in Tuibong.
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In his 20-minute address at Churachandpur, Prime Minister Modi made sparing reference to the conflict in Manipur, apart from noting his visit to the internally displaced persons.
PM Modi called the violence in Manipur “unfortunate” and a “great injustice to our ancestors and to future generations,” while stressing the need to lead the state on a “path of peace and development.”
The projects include Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; 5 National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others.
The projects included major infrastructure works such as the Manipur Urban Roads and Drainage Improvement Project, the Manipur Infotech Development Project (MIND), working women’s hostels, super-speciality healthcare facilities in hill districts, rural connectivity initiatives, school infrastructure upgrades, and road projects under the Bharatmala Pariyojana.
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“We are fully committed to furthering inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. The foundation stone for road projects, National Highway projects, women hostels and more would be laid. The projects being inaugurated include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, the IT SEZ Building and the New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri, a unique all-women’s market in various districts,” wrote PM Modi on X on Friday.
Before his arrival to Churachandpur, PM Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 9000 crore at Aizawl. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang New Rail line, worth over Rs 8,070 crore, connecting the capital of Mizoram to the Indian Railways network for the first time.
The 51.38-km railway line, sanctioned in 2008–09 and constructed from 2015, is considered one of the most challenging in Indian Railways’ history. It features 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges. Bridge No. 144 near Sairang, at 114 metres, is taller than the Qutub Minar and is the tallest pier railway bridge in India.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a three-day visit to Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar from September 13 to 15, during which he is inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 71,850 crore in these states.