Ban on National projects in Naga areas ; Construction of Barak, Makru bridges affected
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 14 2017:
Owing to the ban imposed on National projects in Naga areas and the ongoing economic blockade by United Naga Council (UNC) on the National Highways, construction work of Barak and Makru Bridges along Imphal-Jiribam road has been severely affected.
The construction work is being undertaken by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) .
According to sources from NHIDCL, material mobilisation for construction work of the bridges could not be initiated due to the prevailing volatile law and order situation in the State arising out of the prolonged economic blockade and the ban on National projects.
Given the situation, required machines and materials for construction of the bridges could not be procured from outside the State.
As per an agreement, construction of the two bridges would be finished within three years.
After the completion, the contractor concerned would look after maintenance of the bridges for a period of four years, the sources said.
Normal traffic movement along the deplorable Imphal-Jiribam road used to witness many inconveniences whenever Barak and Makru Bridges got damaged .
Mention may be made that Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under Government of India had sanctioned Rs 144 crcore for re-construction of the two main bridges in RCC type.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari with Chief Minister of the State recently laid the foundation stone for construction of the bridges recently.