Road development work unlikely soon
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 25 2017:
Even though Mao-Tendongyang and Manipur University-Lilong sections of NH 2 (earlier known as NH 39) are in bad shape, there is no possibility of repairing these sections any time soon.
A source in the State PWD informed that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) sanctioned a total amount of Rs 438.49 crore for development of three portions each along Mao-Tendongyang and MU-Lilong sections.
On the other hand, MoRTH sanctioned Rs 230.46 crore and Rs 139.87 crore for development of Mao-Senapati and Senapati-Koubru Leikha sections of the same highway in November last year, and the process of technical evaluation was almost completed.
However, on account of the UNC's indefinite economic blockade and the election model code of conduct, there is no possibility to start the road development work, informed the force.
Although there is no possibility of starting the road development work before the election, the condition of these portions of the highway have been deteriorating fast and many civil society organisations have been demanding urgent repairing of these sections.
On the other hand, a case is pending at Court after M/S Raghaba submitted forged bank guarantee documents which was engaged in developing Koubru Leikha-Tendongyang and MU-Lilong sections of the highway.
As such, the road development works have been stalled.
The next course of action would depend on the Court's directive, conveyed the source.
For development of the 17 Kms long Koubru Leikha-Tendongyang section, MoRTH sanctioned Rs 37.41 crore on June 19, 2012 and another Rs 30.75 crore was sanctioned for development of the 3.49 Kms long MU-Lilong section on June 6, 2012 .