Jiribam-Imphal (Tupul) new BG line project progressing satisfactorily
Source: The Sangai Express / Agencies
Imphal, October 05 2012:
Manipur has been mainly dependent on National Highway 53 (Silchar to Imphal) and National Highway 39 (Numaligarh to Moreh via Imphal) for communication with the rest of the country.
Jiribam, the only rail-head in Manipur, is an extension of on 1.5 Km of Lumding-Silchar meter gauge section which is presently being converted into Broad Gauge.
The Jiribam to Imphal Road(Tupul) new line project was included in 2003-04 budget after abandoning the earlier proposal of new line project from Diphu (Dhansiri) station in Assam to Karong in Manipur sanctioned in 1997-98 .
The area involved in the alignment is very difficult hilly terrain with poor access.
In view of the steep gradient and difficult terrain beyond, it was first proposed to terminate the line at Tupul (at Imphal Road Station).
However, as decided by Govt.of India, the proposed project will involve extension from Tupul to Imphal as well.
Tupul is a village by the side of National Highway 53 which is about 25 Km short of Greater Imphal.
The scenic, Jiribam-Imphal Railway section is passing through districts of Imphal East, Senapati and Tamenglong crossing over several small streams,rivers & deep gorges.
The Jiribam-Tupul project is targeted to complete at an estimated cost of Rs.4444.00 Cr.
The project will require total 1282.66 hect.
of land out of which work is in progress in 1089.022 hect.
land.
There will be 107 minor bridges ,7 major bridges and 3 nos.each of Road Over Bridges and 2 nos.Road Under Bridges out of which works for 30 minor bridges completed, construction of 3 ROB and 2 out of 3 RUB completed.
The project will have 35 nos.of tunnels in 39401 running meters.
Tunneling work for 2826.90m has been completed up to date.
There will be 7 new stations out of which work for one station building completed.
12.5 Km track linking of main line from Jiribam to Dholakhal section and 1.20 Km of loop line have also been completed.
Engine rolled in the section of 22.03.2012 .
It is expected to complete the project by March,2014 .
For Tupul - Imphal section(26.925 Kms), Final Location Survey has already been completed and estimate submitted to Railway Board for sanction with a target to complete the section by March,2016 .
Progress of work badly hampered due to monsoon, prevailing security scenario and frequent bandhs, prolonged economic blockades etc.
Deteriorating condition of NH-53 and weak/damaged bridges is also hampering movement of construction materials and machinery to site resulting in delay in the project work.