Expansion of NH-37 to four lane in the pipeline
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 07 2019:
The State Government is planning to send a proposal to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for approving the four lane expansion of the National Highway 37 (Imphal-Jirbam) road stretch from Keithelmanbi to Tupul.
It may be recalled that the DPR for processing of the four lane expansion of the said road had been underway with National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) handing over the work to a consultant.
Realignment of the extreme corners along the route and if such a scenario is possible, then tunnelling and creating a four lane right of way from the currently existing two lane right of way, are included in the project.
According to a source from NHIDCL, creation and processing of the DPR for the four lane expansion of the 45 kilometre long stretch of NH-37 from Keithelmanbi to Tupul, have been completed and the State Government, consultant and NHIDCL is working to send a proposal to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for necessary approval.
Pointing out that necessary planning for land acquisition has been started as well, the source explained that the identification of the village or areas to be affected by the project as well as their boundaries have been initiated.
After proper identification of the village boundaries, the DCs concerned will submit a report to NHIDCL after which a proposal will be sent to the Ministry, which in turn will constitute a Competent Authority Land Acquisition (CALA), the source explained.
Pointing out that no fixed expense has been determined at the moment, the source informed that it is also not known whether ADB or the Ministry will fund the project.
Moreover, in the meantime, a feasibility report will also be submitted to the Ministry as well, the source added.
It may be mentioned that for the four lane expansion of Imphal-Moreh road (which is also known as the Asian Highway 1) under Package I (Lilong - Wangjing), Package II (Wangjing - Kongkhang) and Package III (Kongkhang - Moreh), compensation of the land and standing properties are borne by the Ministry while the cost of the construction of the road is borne by ADB.