Manipur: Imphal moves ahead with Smart City Mission
Imphal (Manipur), 12 July ANI: Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is embracing a new identity — evolving into a smart, inclusive, and sustainable city under the national Smart Cities Mission. Selected in 2016 as part of the Fast Track Round, Imphal is now transforming its urban landscape by blending tradition with modern technology. The Central Government has provided Rs. 500 crore, while the Manipur Government has added Rs. 50 crore to power the Smart City Mission — an ambitious effort to build smart, sustainable, and connected spaces across Imphal. Among its most striking transformations is Kangla Nongpok Torban — a once-forgotten riverside stretch, now reborn with scenic walkways, cycling tracks, an open-air gym, and lush green landscaping that invites people of all ages. Equally iconic is the revival of Nongpok Thong — the eastern gate of the historic Kangla Fort — faithfully reconstructed in its original style. Alongside the YAANA smart bicycle-sharing system and waste plant, the Imphal Smart City project includes smart parking in busy zones like Luxmi and Ima markets. Thangal Road is being transformed into a pedestrian-friendly cultural plaza, while the Rs 187 crore Integrated Command and Control Centre is taking shape to streamline traffic, sanitation, and safety—partially functional already.