National 26 August 2026
Imphal to be Connected to National Railway Network by 2029
Why in the News?
Manipur’s capital Imphal is set to become the 5th North-Eastern capital city to be connected to the national railway network by June 2029 through the 111-km Jiribam-Imphal new railway line project.
Key Features / Major Points:
Project Cost & Length: The 111 km long Jiribam-Imphal rail line is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹22,000 crore. Sanctioned in 2008, it holds the status of a National Project.
Expanding Regional Connectivity: Following Assam (Dispur), Tripura (Agartala), Arunachal Pradesh (Itanagar), and Mizoram (Aizawl), Imphal will become the fifth North-Eastern capital connected via rail.
Extensive Tunnel Network: The line includes 54 tunnels spanning a total length of 66.47 km. Tunnel No. 12 (11.55 km) stands out as a major engineering marvel.
World's Tallest Pier Bridge: Bridge No. 164 in the Noni district features a 141-meter-high pier, making it the tallest railway pier bridge in the world.
Stations & Infrastructure: The route will feature 11 railway stations (including Jiribam, Khongsang, Noney, and Imphal) along with 15 major and 116 minor bridges.
Static GK Facts:
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR): Headquarters: Maligaon, Guwahati (Assam).
Manipur: Capital: Imphal | Chief Minister: Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
World's Tallest Railway Pier Bridge: Noney, Manipur (Height: 141 meters).
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: By which year is Manipur's capital Imphal targeted to be connected to the national railway network via the Jiribam-Imphal project?
A: June 2029
Q: In which district of Manipur is the world's tallest railway pier bridge (141 meters) being constructed?
A: Noney District
Q: Which North-Eastern capital was connected to the railway network following the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang line in September 2025?
A: Aizawl (Mizoram)