Defence minister assures completion of double-laning and black topping of NH 53 by 2013
PM reviews critical projects in Manipur
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 04 2011: While extending the Centre's support to complete JNIMS by 2014-15, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today advised Manipur government to submit a revised DPR (Detail Project Report) of the Imphal Capitol Project, in a high level meeting convened today at New Delhi which was attended by CM O Ibobi Singh.

The Prime Minister called the high level meeting with the Manipur CM and senior Union ministers and top officials today at 10.30 am at his official residence in Race Course Road, New Delhi to review implementation of national projects, besides several critical infrastructure and health and education ventures.

State Chief Secretary, DS Poonia and Special Secretary (Planning) assisted the CM in the meeting.

After detailed discussions lasting over one hour, it was agreed that support for JNIMS should be given till its targeted completion by 2014-15 .

Pending approval of the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) of ' 867 crores, the Planning Commission agreed to release allocated SPA funds of ' 132 crores for the project.

Approval of the revised DPR would be expedited.

The State Government was advised to submit the revised DPR for the Capital Project, a statement released by the Residential Commissioner, Manipur Bhavan, New Delhi said adding that the progress made in respect of the State Assembly and High Court Complexes was appreciated.

The Planning Commission also agreed to consider favourably the revised DPR estimated at ' 841.83 crores, it added.

The CM expressed concern regarding the slow pace of implementation of the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway project.

Noting that the target date for completion of the work upto Tupul had been re-scheduled to 2012, the CM requested the railway authorities to induct additional manpower and equipments to ensure no further slippages.

On the suggestion of the Member (Engg) of Railway Board, the Border Road Organisation was advised to strengthen all weak bridges on NH 53 by December 2011, so that the Railways could bring in all required heavy equipment required for tunnelling work.

The Railways also agreed to complete the work by 2014, and for the railway line to reach Imphal by 2016 .

Union Minister of Defence AK Antony, on behalf of the BRO, assured that the ongoing work for double-laning and black-topping of NH 53 would be completed by 2013 .

It was also decided that the Ministry of Defence would advise the BRO to outsource the critical portions of NH 53 to reputed engineering companies for expediting completion and ensuring quality work.

The Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to convert NH 53 into a world class road, befitting a road leading to international borders.

The state government's proposal to have an alternative alignment of NH 39 to by-pass sinking areas and link Manipur to Assam through Peren, Nagaland was appreciated.

The Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways informed that both proposals would be included in 'Phase A' of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme, and approval of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure was being obtained.

The Prime Minister advised the Ministry to bring the two issues to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure within June 2011 for approval.

As regards the proposal to seek Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assistance for Augmentation of Water Supply for Imphal city, by drawing water from the Thoubal Multi-Purpose project, the Planning Commission reported that it had given in-principle approval to the project which is estimated at ' 687 crores, for funding as an Externally Aided Project.

It was agreed that besides posing it to JICA, Planning Commission would also consider funding the project through plan financing.

State government's proposals seeking support of the Ministry of Human Resource Development for establishing Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas in all nine districts was considered favourably.

The Union Minister of Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal agreed to bring up a note for consideration and approval of the Union Cabinet to relax the existing guidelines and assist Manipur to set up additional KGBVs.

He said, the Ministry had approved setting up of four additional KGBVs (residential schools for poor and vulnerable girls) in educationally backward blocks of the state, taking the total to five KGBVs.

Similarly, the Ministry would seek approval of setting up new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas at Ukhrul and Kangpokpi.

The Union Minister of DoNER B K Handique agreed to expedite approval to NLCPR support for Construction of 300 school buildings in the five Hill districts at an estimated cost of ' 137.77 crores.

With regard to the request of the State Government for release of Special Advance Plan Assistance of ' 300 crores, the Chief Minister called on Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee separately.

It was agreed that issue of cash reserve would be cross-checked and State Finance Department will meet the Finance Secretary, Expenditure to work out details.

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