Tiddim Road expansion soon
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 19 2014: As part of its ambitious plan to adequately broaden and beautify Tiddim Road between Keishampat Junction and Malom culvert point, the State Government is likely to commence eviction of buildings and structures which fall at a distance of 19 metres on both sides of the the road median soon.

Distribution of compensation to affected land owners is currently underway for the said purpose, said an informed source.

Although, the Government is set to commence works for the said project at the earliest, road construction is likely to get delayed for a couple of years due to fund paucity, added the source.

The State Government has been planning to broaden and beautify the section of the highway since past many years as Tulihal Airport, which has been upgraded to the status of an international airport last year, is located on the road.

It may be mentioned that the National Highways which are to be constructed by State PWD were earlier planned to broaden 30 metres at market areas, 45 metres at non-market areas and 22 metres at hill areas.

Saying that distribution of compensation to land owners of Tiddim Road are currently in progress, the source said that the State Government is likely to shell out around Rs 77 crore from the State exchequer in the said purpose.

However, road construction is likely to get delayed for some more years as the State Government neither has even a single penny for it nor necessary proposals have been made to the Centre in this regard, added the source.

As the road is part of NH-105, proposal for the construction of the section must be included in the annual work programme of the the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

After making the proposal, DPR must be sent to the Ministry for the final approval and release of fund, the source said.

However, it is not likely that all these formalities could be completed this year, the source added.

As such, the section of the road might be in bad shape for around two years after eviction works are completed.

It may be mentioned that people had faced lots of inconvenience due to prolonged delay in the completion of road construction during highway expansion from Moirangkhom to Singjamei and RIMS road.

It has not been decided how electric poles would be shifted on the road sides and drains would be constructed as well, the source said.

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