Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his Northeast tour on September 13, 2025, with a visit to Manipur. The tour is expected to provide several new projects for the region, covering infrastructure, connectivity, and employment opportunities. His arrival in Manipur was marked by a warm reception, with people turning out in large numbers to welcome him. The state administration made strict security arrangements ahead of his visit, ensuring safe movement and peaceful gatherings.
This is Modi’s first visit to Manipur since violence erupted in the state two years ago. The timing of the visit makes it significant, as development announcements are being balanced with gestures of reconciliation.
Grand Welcome and Cultural Celebrations
Upon reaching Imphal, PM Modi was welcomed with cultural programs and traditional dances. Residents expressed happiness at his arrival, with many hoping for long-term development in the state. Artists who performed at the event said they wanted to honor the Prime Minister through cultural expression.
In his public address, Modi described Manipur as a “jewel adorning the crown of Mother India.” He emphasized that it is essential to strengthen Manipur’s image as a progressive and forward-looking state.
Major Development Announcements in Manipur
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur. These included the Manipur Urban Roads, Drainage, and Asset Management Reform Project worth Rs 3,600 crore, five national highway projects exceeding Rs 2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) initiative, and nine hostels for working women.
These projects aim to improve living standards, create new jobs, and strengthen infrastructure. According to Modi, they will also play a key role in giving youth greater opportunities.
Focus on Connectivity and Roads
Connectivity has been a challenge in Manipur for decades due to its geography. Modi acknowledged these issues in his speech, saying he understood the difficulties people faced due to poor roads.
He highlighted that since 2014, the central government has worked at two levels: increasing budgets for roads and railways and connecting villages with better roads. In recent years, Rs 3,700 crore has been spent on national highways, while Rs 8,700 crore has been allocated for new highways under construction.
Improved road and rail connectivity is expected to integrate Manipur more closely with the national economy and make daily life easier for residents.
Meeting with Violence Victims
PM Modi began his visit to Manipur by meeting with victims of past violence. Many of them have been living in relief camps for months. The meeting was seen as a symbolic gesture of solidarity.
During interactions, he assured families that the government is committed to peace, stability, and inclusive growth in Manipur. The meeting came before the launch of new development projects, balancing both humanitarian and economic aspects of the visit.
Opposition Criticism
Despite the warm public welcome, opposition leaders strongly criticized the visit. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge posted on social media that Modi’s three-hour stop in Manipur was “not compassion but tokenism.”
He accused the Prime Minister of hosting a grand show while ignoring the pain of people in relief camps. Kharge described the roadshow in Imphal and Churachandpur as an insult to those still suffering.
Congress called the visit a display of “farce” and claimed it was an attempt to divert attention from unresolved issues.
Investments and Northeast’s Growing Role
While addressing the Rising North East Summit, PM Modi emphasized the potential of the region as an investment hub. He urged domestic and foreign investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, handicrafts, and natural resources.
He stressed that the slogan “Vocal for Local” directly benefits Northeast artisans and farmers. Mizoram’s bamboo products, organic ginger, turmeric, and bananas were highlighted as items gaining recognition nationwide.
Modi added that next-generation GST reforms would lower taxes on several products, making them more affordable for consumers and boosting demand for local goods.
Eleven Years of Work in the Northeast
The Prime Minister highlighted that his government has been focusing on the development of the Northeast for over 11 years. He said the region is now becoming an engine of India’s growth.
He cited progress in rural roads, national highways, mobile connectivity, internet access, electricity, piped water, and LPG connections as proof of the government’s commitment. Modi also announced that Mizoram would soon benefit from new helicopter services, improving access to remote areas.
He explained that projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport and the Sairang-Hmawngbuchhuah railway line would link Mizoram to the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia, promoting trade and tourism.
Mizoram’s Contribution to Nation-Building
In Mizoram, Modi praised the people for their contributions during the freedom movement and in nation-building. He said values like sacrifice, service, courage, and compassion are central to Mizo society.
The Prime Minister noted that Mizoram now plays a vital role in India’s growth journey. He described the inauguration of major projects as historic steps for the state and the nation.
Inauguration of Mizoram’s First Railway Line
One of the major highlights of the tour was the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang 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.
The railway line includes 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 88 smaller bridges. Constructed in challenging hilly terrain, the project is expected to transform transportation in Mizoram, reduce travel time, and facilitate better trade.
Security Measures in Manipur
Considering the sensitivity of the visit, security across Manipur was significantly strengthened. Additional police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in Imphal and Churachandpur. Surveillance systems were upgraded to ensure safety at public gatherings.
The heavy security presence reassured citizens while also ensuring that the Prime Minister’s schedule proceeded without disruptions.
Symbolism of the Visit
Beyond the infrastructure announcements, the visit carried symbolic importance. Modi’s interaction with violence victims and his speeches about reconciliation reflected an effort to balance development with healing.
Residents welcomed the economic projects but also highlighted the need for lasting peace and stability. For many, social harmony is as important as new roads and industries.
PM Modi’s Northeast tour, beginning with Manipur, reflects a dual focus on development and reconciliation. Projects worth Rs 7,300 crore in Manipur and Rs 8,070 crore for Mizoram’s railway line are major milestones.
The emphasis on connectivity, infrastructure, and investment demonstrates the government’s long-term vision of transforming the Northeast into a growth hub. At the same time, opposition criticism underscores the challenges of addressing past grievances while promoting new opportunities.
By December 2025, as announced, many of these projects will be in progress or completed. For the Northeast, this visit has reinforced its role as a critical part of India’s growth story and a bridge to Southeast Asia.
