Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
New Delhi: Shri M Asnikumar Singh, Chairman of Loktak Development Authority (LDA), had the privilege of joining Shri Harsh Malhotra, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways & Corporate Affairs, at the Candle Lighting Ceremony inaugurating the EV Expo at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to envision India’s sustainable mobility future.
Shri Asnikumar Singh commended the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whose push for sustainable and forward-looking policies has placed India on the path to becoming a global leader in clean energy and green mobility. He highlighted the EV revolution as a transformative step toward addressing environmental challenges, enhancing energy security, and driving economic growth.
With initiatives such as the FAME scheme and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) programme for battery manufacturing, the government is creating a robust framework to accelerate EV adoption while fostering domestic manufacturing and renewable energy integration. Shri Asnikumar Singh acknowledged India’s immense potential to lead the global EV ecosystem, driven by its strong policy framework and the collective resolve of industry and innovators.
While celebrating progress, Shri Asnikumar Singh noted the challenges of infrastructure development and consumer awareness and called for collaborative efforts between public and private stakeholders to overcome these barriers. He expressed confidence that, under the dynamic vision of Prime Minister Modi, India’s commitment to sustainable mobility would pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future.
Chairman Asnikumar Singh also used the opportunity to discuss with the Hon’ble Minister the need to expedite a vital road infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity in the Thanga constituency of Bishnupur District, Manipur. This project holds immense socio-economic and cultural significance for the region. He highlighted that a preliminary feasibility study for the proposal had recently been conducted by officials and engineers from the State PWD Department and urged the minister to consider upgrading this project as part of National Highway 2 (NH2).
The proposed project envisions the improvement and widening of existing roads and the development of new connectivity options to better integrate Thanga and its adjoining areas with the state and national infrastructure network. It aims to provide direct connectivity to key districts such as Bishnupur, Imphal West, Kakching, and Thoubal, while linking Thanga with major national highways, including Tiddim Road (NH2), Mayai Lambi (NH 137/A), and National Highway 102. This enhanced connectivity will significantly reduce travel time, foster regional trade and commerce, and promote tourism, ultimately strengthening the region’s integration into the broader economic framework of the state and nation.Proposed road will connect Thanga Mangha Ching , Bishenpur District and Chingthi , Imphal west district by construction of a bridge ( 1 km span over loktak lake with necessary environmental clearance )
