March 28, 2026 : The Government of Manipur has stepped up efforts to fast-track infrastructure development at Imphal International Airport, with officials reaffirming a deadline of December 31, 2026, for completion of the New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) and associated facilities.
According to a press release issued by the Transport Department, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport & TCI) Anurag Bajpai reviewed the progress of the ongoing projects during a meeting held at the Airports Authority of India (AAI) project office.
The review meeting was attended by Transport Director Khumanthem Diana Devi, Deputy Commissioner (Imphal West) Mayanglambam Rajkumar, Superintendent of Police (Imphal West), Director of Airports Authority of India, along with officials from PWD, MPDCL, CISF, and the project team.
Officials noted that construction activities had resumed in full swing following the last review in December 2025, after facing prolonged delays due to multiple challenges, including conflict-related disruptions. The overall physical progress of the NITB project was reported to have reached around 50 per cent.
During the meeting, all concerned agencies were instructed to strictly adhere to the prescribed timelines and ensure completion of the terminal building, apron, power supply, and water supply works within the targeted deadline.
The Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West and PWD officials were also directed to expedite the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) process for land acquisition required for constructing the approach road connecting the National Highway to the new terminal.
In addition, the Transport Department, in coordination with AAI, held discussions with officials of Alliance Air regarding the early introduction of flight services on the Imphal–Silchar route. The feasibility of expanding regional connectivity to Dibrugarh Airport was also explored.
The officials further inspected the new cargo terminal and directed the executing agency to complete installation of necessary equipment and commence operations by April 30, 2026. The AAI was urged to expedite security clearances from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to make the facility operational.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening inter-agency coordination, ensuring timely execution of works, and enhancing regional air connectivity.
