State studies Imphal bypass under BMS
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 27 2018:
After repeated surveys have been conducted to construct a bypass around Imphal city, the State Government is now studying the feasibility of taking up the same project under the Bharat Mala Scheme (BMS).
The idea of constructing a bypass which can divert National Highways from the congested Imphal city was conceptualised as early as 1987, sources informed.
PWD carried out survey for constructing Imphal bypass from Khonghampat Mantri Leikai to Canchipur (near Manipur University) via Langjing.
A second survey was carried out around 2004 for the same bypass but the envisaged route would start from Sekmai and pass through Leikinthabi in Imphal East district before it is connected with Imphal-Moreh highway near Kyamgei.
As the Imphal bypass passing through Imphal East district would entail huge investment in addition to other difficulties, the Government opted for the route surveyed by PWD which would pass through Imphal West district.
Subsequently, Gurgaon-based Holtec Consulting Pvt Ltd was hired to carry out another survey.
The route surveyed by Holtec Consulting Pvt Ltd starts from Tendongyang and passes through Maharabi, Khurkhul, Mayang Langjing, Lairenkabi, Sangaithel, Khumbong, Heikrujam, Hiyangthang, Samurou and before it is connected with Imphal-Moreh highway near Canchipur after crossing Mayai Lambi.
The survey report furnished by Holtec Consulting Pvt Ltd proposes construction of toll plazas and also a number of bridges, said the source.
The report also contained environment impact assessment report, social impact assessment and resettlement action plan, technical specifications, cost estimate and rate analysis.
But the whole initiative of constructing Imphal bypass came to a grinding halt as PWD's search for necessary funds was not successful.
Nonetheless, the survey report furnished by Holtec Consulting Pvt Ltd has been given to the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to see whether Imphal bypass can be constructed under BMS which is funded directly by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the sources informed.
On the other hand, three consultants hired by NHIDCL have been carrying out surveys for development of Mao-Senapati section (NH 2), Imphal-Moirang section (NH 150) and Imphal-Jiribam (NH 37) as four-lane roads.
As all these roads would be connected with the proposed Imphal bypass, NHIDCL has given the Holtec Consulting Pvt Ltd's survey report to the three consultants so that their own surveys take the report into consideration.
The sources added that the idea of constructing Imphal bypass has not been dropped as yet.