Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh recently visited Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal to oversee the ongoing upgrade of the new terminal. The airport’s expansion and renovation, which had been delayed due to ethnic violence in 2023, are now back on track with a target completion date of 2027. During his inspection, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s dedication to providing top-notch infrastructure for the public.
Khemchand Singh expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, highlighting the potential improvements in passenger services upon the terminal’s timely completion. He also addressed the need for quality assurance, directing immediate corrections for any observed workmanship issues. The Chief Minister underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing airport facilities and ensuring high-quality services for the people.
The new terminal, being constructed by a private company, is expected to enhance airport operations significantly once finished. It will enable round-the-clock operations, extending the airport’s functioning hours from 12-14 hours to 24 hours daily. Moreover, the upgraded facility will substantially increase passenger handling capacity and expand parking infrastructure to accommodate more vehicles.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel and Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai, accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection. The Manipur government has been advocating for intervention from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to address high airfares on Imphal routes and to reinstate discontinued flights. Additional Chief Secretary Bajpai has been actively engaging with aviation authorities to resolve these issues and improve air connectivity for the region.
