Manipur proposes passenger train service between Imphal and Guwahati

IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday said the state government had proposed a passenger train service between Manipur and Guwahati, expressing hope that it would become operational within this year.

Khemchand Singh said the proposed service would benefit people travelling outside the state, particularly in view of the difficulties they face. He said the proposal had been submitted to the Union Railway Minister and that the matter would be taken up during the minister’s expected visit to Manipur.

The Chief Minister made the statement while inspecting the ongoing development works at Imphal Railway Station and reviewing the progress of the Imphal-Jiribam Railway Project.

During the inspection, Deputy Chief Engineer Md Samuel informed him that approximately 55 km of the 110-km railway project had been completed up to Khongsang in Tamenglong district.

Another 9-km stretch up to Awangkhul is expected to be completed by November 2026, while the Noney section is targeted for completion by December 2027. The railway line is expected to reach Imphal by December 2028.

At Imphal, the railway station building and operational offices have been structurally completed, with finishing works underway.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to visit Manipur by the end of this year, while Northeast Frontier Railway General Manager Vivek Khare is likely to visit the state on November 17.

The inspection was attended by Konthoujam MLA Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, Director (Transport) Kh Daina and other state and Railway officials.