Forum warns against compromising quality of road project
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 06 2025: The United Senior Citizens Forum, 43 Phungyar AC has warned that as many as 25 villages will raise strong objection if any contractor or firm tries to wrest the Shangshak-Tengnoupal road project by bidding below the project cost.

Representatives of 25 villages located along Shangshak-Tengnoupal road held a joint meeting on Wednesday and set up the United Senior Citizens Forum, 43 Phungyar AC.

The meeting was attended by chiefs and secretaries of villages like Phaleng, Leishi, Koso, Shangshak, Tangkhul Hundung, Sorde, Phungyar, Leiting, Meileng, Sohko, Alang, Khambi, Shoratheng, Parbung, Sorbung, Lehonglo and Monthou etc.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, United Senior Citizens Forum, 43 Phungyar AC secretary David Zimik said that the Shangshak-Tengnoupal section of NH 101-A is being constructed as a two-lane highway after a long wait of 50 years.

He appealed to all companies and firms not to bid for the project below its estimated cost so that there is no compromise on the quality of the project.

If any company or firm tries to wrest the project by bidding below the project cost, the 25 villages will raise strong objections against implementing the project, David Zimik said.

On behalf of the 25 villages, he expressed gratitude to both the Central Government and the State Government for taking up the project of constructing Shangshak-Tengnoupal road.

Apart from enhancing connectivity, the road will boost the region's economy and bring development to people settled along the road, he said.

Appealing to all companies against quoting prices below the tender cost as such actions may jeopardise quality, safety and durability of the project, David Zimik said that the villagers will extend full support toward successful completion of the project provided quality is maintained throughout.

The joint meeting of the 25 villages held yesterday resolved that no company/firm should bid for the Shangshak-Tengnoupal project below the tender cost.

The same resolution has been forwarded to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, MoRTH Secretary, Governor of Manipur, Chief Secretary, NHIDCL Managing Director and the PWD Chief Engineer, he said.

With many road projects bidden 20 to 30 per cent below the project costs, quality of the works has been severely compromised in Manipur, he remarked.

Funds for construction of roads and highways are not sanctioned every year but once in several decades, David Zimik appealed to all firms/companies to construct roads/highways with due emphasis on the qualitative aspect.

He also pointed out that construction of Yaingangpokpi-Finch Corner road, Imphal-Jiribam highway and Tadubi-Tolloi all implemented by NHIDCL, could not be completed till date.

Likewise, Imphal-Kangchup-Haochong-Bhalok road being implemented by the State PWD too remains incomplete, he continued.

Many companies based outside the State which are already running into losses have ventured into the State and they are bidding for several projects below the tender costs to earn disproportionate profits at the expense of quality of work, he said before highlighting the urgent need to check such fraudulent activities of these companies.

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