The central government has sanctioned Rs 1186.20 crore for the expansion of National Highway 37, strengthening the crucial link between Assam and Manipur. The project will focus on a 13-kilometer stretch from Silchar’s Budha Nagar in Assam to Jiribam in Manipur, upgrading it to a four-lane highway. Authorities have emphasized the importance of this expansion, highlighting its role in improving connectivity, trade, and transportation in the region.
Officials have confirmed that the project will enhance road safety and reduce travel time for commuters and transporters. Heavy vehicular movement on this route has often led to congestion and delays, impacting trade between the northeastern states. The four-lane expansion aims to ease traffic bottlenecks and provide a smoother driving experience.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the approval, calling it a significant step towards infrastructural development in the Northeast. He has expressed gratitude to the central government for prioritizing connectivity projects in Assam and Manipur. He has assured that the state government will extend full cooperation to ensure timely completion of the work.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has reiterated the government’s commitment to improving highway infrastructure in the Northeast. He has stated that NH-37’s expansion aligns with the larger vision of boosting economic growth by strengthening road networks in border states. According to officials, the upgraded highway will facilitate seamless movement of goods and people, benefiting local businesses and industries.
The project will include the construction of new bridges, underpasses, and service lanes to accommodate the increasing traffic. Authorities have planned modern drainage systems and road safety measures, including proper signage and lighting. Engineers have designed the highway to withstand heavy monsoon rains, which frequently disrupt transportation in the region.
Residents of Jiribam and Silchar have expressed optimism about the expansion, hoping it will improve their daily commute and provide economic opportunities. Transporters have welcomed the move, as smoother roads will lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Business owners along the route have anticipated increased footfall, leading to better prospects for trade and commerce.
Environmental concerns have also been taken into account. Officials have assured that compensatory afforestation will take place to offset tree loss during construction. Environmental impact assessments have been conducted to minimize disruption to local ecosystems.
The tendering process for the project has already begun, with authorities setting strict deadlines for execution. Construction firms with expertise in high-altitude road building will be involved to ensure quality and efficiency. Officials have set a target to complete the four-lane expansion within three years.
NH-37 has long served as a lifeline for Manipur, connecting it with Assam and the rest of India. The highway’s expansion has been a long-pending demand, given the frequent landslides and traffic congestion that have hampered movement. The new four-lane road will provide much-needed relief to commuters who have struggled with poor road conditions for years.
The government has continued to invest heavily in the Northeast’s infrastructure, recognizing its strategic and economic significance. Several national highway projects are underway to improve connectivity within the region. The Assam-Manipur NH-37 expansion is one among many initiatives aimed at integrating the Northeast more closely with mainland India.
Political leaders from both Assam and Manipur have welcomed the project, acknowledging its potential to transform transportation and trade. They have emphasized that robust infrastructure is key to regional development and prosperity. Officials have assured that work will proceed without delays, with stringent monitoring to prevent cost overruns and substandard construction.
As construction begins, authorities have urged the public to cooperate with traffic diversions and temporary inconveniences. They have assured that the long-term benefits of the project will outweigh any short-term disruptions. The NH-37 expansion promises to strengthen ties between Assam and Manipur, fostering growth, mobility, and economic progress in the Northeast.
