Imphal: Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah traveled to New Delhi to force federal action on the failing National Highways 102A and 202. He met with V. Umashankar, the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The roads are a mess. Muivah handed over photographs to prove the "terrible condition" of these vital routes in Ukhrul, Kamjong, and surrounding districts.
Umashankar admitted that law and order issues slowed down progress. He promised to tell the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to treat these jobs as high priority. This follows an August 7 appeal Muivah made directly to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Specific trouble spots plague the region. A massive landslide near Phaibung has kept NH-102A closed since June 23. Muivah also flagged the 15-kilometer stretch between Tollol Junction and Dungrei Junction. He wants rigid pavement installed in Ukhrul town and major landslide controls put in place. The MLA also demanded that crews restart the long-stalled double-laning project from Finch Corner to Tengnoupal.
NHIDCL records show completion dates for three NH-102A packages set for late 2026. Progress currently sits at 80.80 percent, 94.01 percent, and 97 percent. On NH-202, the MLA pinpointed the neglected Lower Hundung-Choithar section. He demanded that officials clear away the legal and contractual roadblocks stalling the work. Residents and local businesses cannot wait any longer for reliable transport.
Updated at 13th August 2026 at 1:48am
Following a follow-up meeting with the MLA this Tuesday, Gadkari ordered a formal ground assessment of the affected stretches. He instructed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to dispatch Director Narendra Sharma to Ukhrul for a firsthand inspection.
The Minister specifically signaled concern over land acquisition bottlenecks, notably for the Ukhrul Bypass and the Shangshak-Tengnoupal sectors. Gadkari also acknowledged that High Court proceedings regarding the Lower Hungpung-Choithar and Shangshak-Tengnoupal stretches remain a major headache for project progress.
Updated at 14th August 2026 at 9:51pm
Gadkari confirmed that land acquisition for the Ukhrul Bypass and Shangshak-Tengnoupal sectors remains a major choke point. He also acknowledged that active High Court cases are dragging out work on the Lower Hungpung-Choithar and Shangshak-Tengnoupal sections.
Following these revelations, Gadkari ordered MoRTH Director Narendra Sharma to conduct a spot inspection in Ukhrul. Sharma must submit a formal report detailing the on-ground roadblocks to clear the way for remedial action.
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