Which of the following best describes the strategic role of NH-37 in Manipur?

It serves as a critical alternative lifeline during periods of conflict and blockades on NH-2.

It is the primary highway connecting Imphal to Nagaland.

It is the only highway connecting Manipur to the international border with Myanmar.

It is a coastal highway designed to facilitate maritime trade in the North East.

What is the primary objective of the ongoing NHIDCL project on NH-37?

To upgrade 203 km of the highway into an all-weather road by December 2026.

To convert the entire highway into a four-lane expressway.

To construct a new tunnel bypass connecting Imphal directly to Silchar.

To privatize the maintenance of the highway to reduce government expenditure.

Daily

250 words

6/10
Rating

8 July 2026

Manipur highway infrastructure

The topic details specific infrastructure projects (NH-37) and the challenges of implementing connectivity in sensitive border regions, which directly relates to GS3 infrastructure and GS2 development policy implementation.

Notes

NH-2 serves as the primary lifeline for Manipur, connecting Imphal to the rest of India via Nagaland.
NH-37 acts as the secondary, strategic lifeline connecting Imphal to Silchar (Assam) via Jiribam, gaining importance during regional conflicts and blockades on NH-2.
NHIDCL has set a December 2026 target to make NH-37 'comfortably motorable' through a project covering 203 km of its 224-km length.
The project involves a ₹1,300-crore investment, with 80% (₹1,040 crore) already released by the Centre.
Key engineering works include straightening curves, fortifying landslide-prone areas, and replacing Bailey bridges with concrete structures.
Challenges to project completion include recurring monsoon damage, technical issues, land disputes, and increased traffic load due to the closure of NH-2 since May 2023.
A specific land dispute involving 488 households in a protected forest area was resolved via a state-approved ex gratia payment of ₹70,000 per household.
NH-37 is integral to India's Act East Policy, which aims for unhindered connectivity with Southeast Asia.
The Imphal-Jiribam railway line, running parallel to NH-37, is targeted for completion by December 2028.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 7 in Manipur supply chain and infrastructure stability, which has been running since 26 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

Analyze the strategic significance of NH-37 in the context of India's Act East Policy and its role in ensuring regional connectivity for Manipur. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

0 / 150 words 8:00
Infrastructure development in hilly and conflict-prone regions faces unique socio-economic and engineering challenges. Discuss these challenges with reference to the ongoing upgrade of NH-37 in Manipur. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

Which of the following best describes the strategic role of NH-37 in Manipur?

What is the primary objective of the ongoing NHIDCL project on NH-37?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

December target set for completion of ‘less trouble-prone’ highway to Manipur

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