Dr Ranjan inspects tunnelling work
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 14 2019:
Stressing on the importance of Delhi to Jiribam rail service for at least two days in a week, Inner MP Dr RK Ranjan has said that it is also imperative to include people settled near the project sites in the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway project.
He made the statement during an inspection trip to Tunnel No 12 of the railway project today, accompanied by the State Planning Board Deputy Chairman S Rajen.
Speaking to media persons, the MP said that the railway station in Jiribam is in a bad state and no attempts to repair the station can be seen and added that it will be of immense importance if the Silchar to Delhi rail service is changed to Jiribam to Delhi twice a week.
People who wish to travel to Delhi can board the train from Jiribam and it will also help in developing business, he explained.
Further expressing desire for a rail service from Jiribam to Kolkata and Guwahati, Dr Ranjan said that he will send a written recommendation to the Union Railway Minister in this regard at the earliest.
Ranjan further lauded the work of the company and labourers engaged in the construction of the 111 kilometre long Jiribam Tupul-Imphal railway but expressed doubt whether the project can be completed before December 2020.He said that it is imperative to establish a monitoring mechanism for the specific project and added that as the railway project is a National project, there will be no shortage of funds but the company in charge of the project might be facing numerous difficulties due to the bad condition of the Imphal-Jiribam route.
Explaining that Governments usually levy penalties on such companies if they fail to finish a project within the stipulated time mentioned in the MoU, the MP expressed desire for the project to be completed soon.
He continued that if grade VI and local people are included in the labour, except technical aspects, it will be very beneficial for all and added that he has already taken this issue to the notice of those concerned.
On the other hand, Munir Raja, DGM of Coastal Project which is in charge of the tunnelling works, said that around 4 kilometres are left for the 10 kilometre long Tunnel No 12.The said tunnel consists primarily of earth and hence the company has to work by exercising extreme caution.
Around 40 metres can be tunnelled in a day, he explained.