Kangla Nongpok Torban project nearing completion
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 22 2024:
The second phase of the development work of Kangla Nongpok Torban from Kangla Nongpok Thong to Kekrupat, North AOC is nearing completion with the government setting target for inauguration of the same by March end this year.
The development work is being implemented by Planning and Development Authority (PDA) at a cost of Rs 48 crore under the Imphal Smart City Limited.
PDA chairman, MLA Lourembam Rameshwar along with engineers and contractors visited the work site to review progress of the project on Thursday afternoon.
Interacting with the media, MLA Rameshwar said that the first phase of the project covers 700-metre stretch from Kangla Nongpok Thong to Sanjenthong.
The overall length of the project from Sanjenthong to Kekrupat is 1.1 km.
All the development works for the second phase, except laying of tiles along the walkway, have been completed and the government is targeting to complete the project before the end of the current financial year, he said.
The second phase of the project has two view towers and also include redevelopment of Paotak Hiden, which dates back to King Khagemba era, he said, adding that it has all the components of the first phase such as open gym, walking track, cycling track, exercise arena, food plaza, kiosks, performance stages and toilet complexes.
Assorted varieties of beautiful flowers will add to attraction of the site while park benches have been put up at suitable locations to allow the visitors enjoy view of the river bank, he added.
Mention may be made that the recreational site had attracted large number of visitors before the crisis broke out on May 3 last year.
From early morning joggers to evening family getaway, the site became a major point of attraction for riot only the people of the state but also visitors from other parts of the country and world as well.
One can also experience cycling with the facility of smart bicycle, which can be hired through online payment and smart lock-unlock feature with QR code.
The performance stage also provides platform to budding artistes and hobbyists to showcase their talents in front of the visitors.
Moreover, the site has been a significant source of income for the state government from the collection of entry fee and charges for stage performance and other services.
Once the second phase is completed and the crisis resolved, the entire stretch of Kangla Nongpok Torban is expected to draw even larger number of visitors.