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Politics
Manipur CM Highlights Economic Boost from Free Movement on NH-2, Notes Rs 1,200 Crore GST Loss
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 16 Oct 2026, 12:36 PM
👁 13
The Manipur Chief Minister has credited the unrestricted flow of traffic on National Highway 2 with a significant lift to the state's economy, pointing to a Rs 1,200 crore shortfall in GST revenue during the lockdown period.
The Chief Minister of Manipur addressed the media on Tuesday, emphasizing the role of unhindered movement on National Highway 2 (NH‑2) in stimulating the state's economy. He noted that the highway, which connects Imphal to the neighboring states, has been a vital artery for trade and tourism.
During the COVID‑19 lockdown, restrictions on traffic along NH‑2 led to a sharp decline in commercial activity. The CM highlighted that the loss of Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue during this period amounted to approximately Rs 1,200 crore, underscoring the economic impact of the road’s closure.
"When the highway was open, businesses could operate normally and revenue flowed as expected," the CM said. "The lockdown created a gap that we are now working to fill by ensuring smoother transit and better infrastructure.
The government plans to accelerate maintenance and expansion projects on NH‑2, aiming to prevent future disruptions and to attract more investment into Manipur’s logistics and hospitality sectors.
During the COVID‑19 lockdown, restrictions on traffic along NH‑2 led to a sharp decline in commercial activity. The CM highlighted that the loss of Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue during this period amounted to approximately Rs 1,200 crore, underscoring the economic impact of the road’s closure.
"When the highway was open, businesses could operate normally and revenue flowed as expected," the CM said. "The lockdown created a gap that we are now working to fill by ensuring smoother transit and better infrastructure.
The government plans to accelerate maintenance and expansion projects on NH‑2, aiming to prevent future disruptions and to attract more investment into Manipur’s logistics and hospitality sectors.