Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over ₹7,300 crore at Churachandpur in Manipur, with a focus on health, education, and infrastructure, especially benefiting tribal communities in hill districts.

The projects include urban roads, drainage, and asset management projects worth ₹3,600 crore, five National Highway projects worth over ₹2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and working women’s hostels at nine locations, among others, as per a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office.

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister described Manipur as a “land of courage and determination” and hailed its hills as a “priceless gift of nature.” He said the culture, traditions, and diversity of Manipur represent a “jewel” that will continue to enhance the brilliance of the North East.

“The very name ‘Manipur’ contains the word ‘Mani,’ symbolizing a jewel that will enhance the brilliance of the entire North East in the times to come,” he said.

Modi informed that the projects will create new facilities in health and education for the region and extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Manipur and Churachandpur on these initiatives.

Underlining that Manipur is a border state where connectivity has always been a major challenge, he said the government has significantly increased investment in rail, road, and air infrastructure. “The Jiribam–Imphal railway line, being built at a cost of ₹22,000 crore, will soon connect the state capital to the national rail network,” he said.

He noted that the newly constructed Imphal Airport, built at a cost of ₹400 crore, is enhancing air connectivity in the region.

The Prime Minister underlined that over one lakh households in Manipur have received free electricity connections, more than 3.5 lakh homes now have piped water, and nearly 60,000 pucca houses have been built for the poor under central schemes.

To ease access to drinking water, the Prime Minister highlighted the ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ scheme, noting that over the past few years more than 15 crore citizens across the country have received tap water connections. He added that 7–8 years ago, only 25,000 to 30,000 households in Manipur had piped water; today, more than 3.5 lakh households in the state have access to tap water.

The Prime Minister also emphasized improving social infrastructure, citing the establishment of Churachandpur Medical College, new Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and enhanced healthcare services under Ayushman Bharat. “Nearly 2.5 lakh patients in Manipur have availed free treatment under the scheme,” he said.

On the state’s peace efforts, Modi said, “Establishing peace is essential for development. Dialogue with groups in the hills and valley regions reflects our approach of respect and mutual understanding.” He announced a ₹3,000 crore special package, including ₹500 crore for displaced families, and reiterated that the Centre will continue to support Manipur’s recovery and development.

“We are working with the goal of making Manipur a symbol of peace, prosperity, and progress,” he affirmed.