State PMGSY record best in NE: Francis Ngajokpa
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 11 2015: Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Francis Ngajokpa has asserted that Manipur is ahead of other states in the Northeast in construction of roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna.

The minister who is at present busy conducting a series of tours all over Manipur to assess the implementation of the schemes under PMGSY stated that though works for Phase 15/16 have already commenced in other states, Manipur has surpassed them in terms of construction of roads.

The minister's tour programme for Wednesday concentrated in Thoubal District and his team traveled the length and breadth of the district.

Inspections were conducted along the 8.50 km long Umathel-Kakching Khunou road; the roads from Thoubal Khunou, Keirambi, Bonsibudon and Nongangthong connecting to NH-39, covering 7 km, 6km, 3.5 km and 5 km respectively; the 3 km road between Komnao and Thongjao; and the 3.5 km road from Icham Khunnou traversing through Thokchom.

The minister informed that finalization of the tender for the 10th phase is underway, after which the proposal for the 11th phase will be forwarded.

He stated that the proposal for the 11th phase will cover development of an overall road length of 1000 kilometres.

He expressed confidence that the roads in both hill and valley areas will see a huge leap in terms of quality if the schemes from the 9th and 11th phase go ahead as planned.

Though currently only bailey bridges are recommended under the scheme, there is strong likelihood of modifications in the rules to permit construction of RCC bridges in the future, he stated.

He clarified that the PMGSY schemes do not have provision for paying compensation for acquisition of private homesteads or farmlands.

As a follow up of the assessment tour the minister and his team will be visiting Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong districts in the next few days.

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