New Delhi, Jul 12 (IANS): The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved upgradation of a 65-km-long National Highway in Manipur to boost the state's connectivity with south and southeast Asia via Myanmar.

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told reporters here that NH-39 from Imphal to Moreh near the Myanmar border would reduce travel time from three-and-a-half hours to one hour and 45 minutes.

"The project is of international importance as it would make it possible to travel from India to Myanmar and even Bangkok by road," Gadkari said.

The Imphal-Moreh Highway would not only boost international trade and business, but would also be important from security point of view, he said.

It is also crucial for socio-economic development in the northeast region which currently has poor road network, he said.

He said the project would create employment opportunities in Manipur and is part of the Asian Highway project.

It is estimated to cost around Rs 1,630 crore.

Gadkari said the northeast region has been a priority for the BJP government which has already started road infrastructure projects worth Rs 50,000 crore in the region.

"Our target is to have projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore by the time we complete our five years," the minister said.