ADB gives green signal to Rs 1800 Cr loan
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 06 2013:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed in principle to extend a loan of Rs 1800 crore to the Government of Manipur for development of transport infrastructure.
Briefing media persons together with Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar at Secretariat South Block today, mission leader of the visiting ADB team Hiraoki Yamaguchi stated that the ADB would take up road development projects in Manipur in consultation with the Government of India under South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation.
ADB has already started mobilisation process for the connectivity project between Myanmar and Manipur.
Development of Imphal-Moreh road is crucial in view of the proposed trilateral highway which would connect India, Myanmar and Thailand, Yamaguchi said.
Informing that feasibility reports are being prepared for the projects which would be taken up in Manipur with the help of ADB, Yamaguchi said that necessary agreement would be signed in October this year for construction of Bishnupur-Mayang Imphal-Kasom Khullen road with ADB assistance.
Preparatory work for the project is in the final stage, he added.
Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar claimed that ADB is willing to invest in Manipur for development of transport infrastructure as externally aided projects.
Estimated total cost of the projects is US $ 300 million and the projects which have been given priority by the Government are Tadubi-Imphal-Moreh road, Imphal-Wangjing-Heirok, Machi-Khudengthabi road, greater Imphal ring road, Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong road, Imphal-Ukhrul-Kam-jong-Konkanthana road and Imphal-Moirang-Wangoo-Churachandpur-Behiang road.
A meeting was also held with the Chief Minister about these projects yesterday.
In addition to the projects listed by the State Government, more projects can be enlisted anew for execution with ADB assistance, Yamaguchi stated.
Once the proposed Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong road materialises, the journey to Guwahati from Imphal via Haflong and Nagaon would be shorter than the existing route to Guwahati along Imphal-Dimapur highway by 90 Kms.