Imphal has successfully completed 17 out of 24 projects under the Smart City Mission, with the remaining seven expected to be finished by August 2025. Selected during the Fast Track Round of the national urban renewal initiative in 2016, the city received an allocation of ₹550 crore to enhance its urban infrastructure.
According to Th. Harikumar Singh, CEO of Imphal Smart City Ltd., the mission aims to modernize the city while preserving its historical identity and meeting the needs of its citizens. A key highlight among the completed projects is the Kangla Nongpok Torban, a revitalized riverside stretch featuring walking and cycling paths, green zones, and open-air gyms. The nearby Nongpok Thong, the Eastern Gate of Kangla Fort, has also been reconstructed in line with its historical architecture.
Other enhancements include public seating areas in commercial hubs like Thangal Bazar, which residents have welcomed for providing rest stops in busy zones. Major ongoing works include the ₹187 crore Integrated Command and Control Centre for smart urban governance, smart parking facilities, and a cultural plaza on Thangal Road. Despite challenges from COVID-19 and regional unrest, officials affirm that all projects remain on schedule.
