Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a multi-state tour of the Northeast, with Manipur as one of the first stops. His visit is significant for multiple reasons, including the inauguration of development projects worth thousands of crores, interactions with violence victims, and renewed emphasis on connectivity in the region. The visit comes almost two years after violent clashes shook Manipur, making this the Prime Minister’s first trip to the state since then.
The government has described this tour as a push to strengthen infrastructure and economic opportunities across the Northeast, while the opposition has criticized it as tokenism. Security in the state has been tightened significantly ahead of his arrival, ensuring safe passage and large public gatherings.
A Grand Welcome in Manipur
As PM Modi arrived in Manipur, he received a warm welcome from large crowds. Traditional artists greeted him with cultural performances, highlighting the region’s vibrant heritage. Many residents expressed hope that his visit would bring greater focus to the state’s development needs.
In Imphal, addressing a massive public gathering, Modi described Manipur as a “jewel adorning the crown of Mother India.” He stressed that strengthening Manipur’s image as a progressive and growing state was his government’s responsibility.
Inauguration of Development Projects Worth Thousands of Crores
The highlight of the Manipur visit was the launch of multiple development projects valued at over Rs 7,300 crore. These projects include significant urban infrastructure, highway construction, digital expansion, and facilities for women.
Among them are the Manipur Urban Roads, Drainage, and Asset Management Reform project worth Rs 3,600 crore, five major national highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and hostels for working women across nine locations.
These initiatives are aimed at boosting employment, improving ease of living, and expanding connectivity, both within the state and with the rest of India.
Focus on Connectivity: Roads and Railways
Connectivity has long been a challenge in Manipur, given its geography as a border state. In his speech, PM Modi recalled the difficulties faced by locals due to poor roads and limited transport. He noted that since 2014, the government had been consistently increasing investment in connectivity projects.
According to him, Rs 3,700 crore had already been spent on national highways in Manipur, and an additional Rs 8,700 crore was being used for the construction of new highways. Beyond highways, the government has worked to connect villages with roads, ensuring that even remote communities are no longer isolated.
Meeting Violence Victims
Upon arrival in Manipur, PM Modi met with victims of past violence, many of whom have been living in relief camps. His meeting was seen as a gesture of solidarity with affected families.
During the interactions, he assured them that the government remains committed to bringing stability, security, and opportunities to the state. These meetings took place before the foundation stone ceremonies for the development projects.
Opposition Criticism
While the Prime Minister’s visit drew enthusiasm among many residents, opposition leaders expressed strong criticism. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused PM Modi of organizing a grand welcome for himself while ignoring the plight of citizens still suffering from the aftermath of violence.
In a social media post, Kharge wrote that Modi’s brief stop in Manipur was “not compassion but tokenism.” He described the roadshows in Imphal and Churachandpur as an insult to the people still living in relief camps.
The Congress party also labeled the visit as a showpiece, suggesting it failed to address core issues of governance and reconciliation.
Emphasis on Investment and Northeast’s Role
During the visit, PM Modi highlighted the Northeast’s growing importance in India’s development strategy. He said that platforms like the Rising North East Summit were opening doors for domestic and foreign investment in the region.
The Prime Minister urged investors to explore the Northeast’s potential in agriculture, handicrafts, and natural resources. He also praised the region’s artisans and farmers, saying the push for “Vocal for Local” directly benefits them.
He cited Mizoram’s bamboo products, organic ginger, turmeric, and bananas as examples of items gaining recognition beyond local markets. According to him, next-generation GST reforms will lower taxes on many such products, improving affordability and market access.
Eleven Years of Focus on the Northeast
PM Modi reminded the audience that his government had been working consistently for 11 years on the development of the Northeast. He emphasized how states that were once isolated are now part of India’s larger economic and transport networks.
He pointed to milestones such as rural roads, highways, mobile connectivity, electricity, piped water, and LPG connections reaching previously underserved regions. He also mentioned that states like Mizoram are set to benefit from expanded air travel, with helicopter services soon connecting remote districts.
According to him, projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport and Sairang-Hmawngbuchhuah railway line would link Mizoram with the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia, boosting trade and tourism.
Mizoram’s Contribution to Nation Building
Speaking in Mizoram, PM Modi acknowledged the role of the people of Mizoram in both the freedom movement and nation-building efforts. He praised their values of sacrifice, service, courage, and compassion, calling them central to Mizo society.
He stressed that Mizoram now plays a vital role in India’s growth journey. For him, the inauguration of new infrastructure projects marks not just a regional milestone but a step forward for national progress.
Inauguration of Mizoram’s First Rail Link
Another key highlight of the Northeast tour was the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang new railway line, built at a cost of over Rs 8,070 crore. This project connects Mizoram’s capital to India’s railway network for the first time.
Constructed in a challenging hilly terrain, the line includes 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 88 minor bridges. The project is expected to revolutionize transport in Mizoram by reducing travel time, improving trade, and facilitating movement of goods and passengers.
Security Arrangements in Manipur
Given the sensitivity of the visit, security across Manipur was strengthened considerably. Extra personnel were deployed in Imphal and Churachandpur, and surveillance was heightened. Authorities ensured that both the Prime Minister’s convoys and public gatherings were secure.
The strong security presence also reassured citizens, many of whom had concerns about possible disruptions.
Balancing Development with Healing
While the projects and announcements dominated headlines, the visit also carried symbolic importance. By meeting violence victims and promising continued focus, PM Modi sought to balance development goals with reconciliation.
Residents welcomed the projects but also expressed the need for peace, stability, and healing in Manipur. For many, economic progress and social harmony must go hand in hand.
PM Modi’s visit to Manipur and other northeastern states has highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing the region. Development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore in Manipur and Rs 8,070 crore for Mizoram’s railway line signal a major push for infrastructure and connectivity.
The emphasis on investment, digital reforms, and cross-border trade reflects the government’s long-term vision for the Northeast as a growth engine. At the same time, political criticism and the memory of past violence underline the complexity of governing this sensitive region.
By December 2025, as more projects take shape, the Northeast is expected to emerge as a key hub of economic activity and cultural strength. For Manipur, the visit brought hope of rebuilding trust and confidence, alongside tangible promises of growth and better connectivity.
