HC directs GoM to complete neglected Senapati-Phaibung road
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 09 2025: In a significant judgment, the High Court of Manipur has directed the State Government to complete the construction of Senapati-Phaibung Road, neglected for 22 years.

The flagship Senapati to Phaibung Road project was launched under the NonLapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme.

The construction of the 128 Km stretch started in 2002.After the project was stalled and neglected, the Senapati-Phaibung Road Development Committee had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with the High Court to issue appropriate directions to complete the project.

The committee is led by Benjamin Tao.

The PIL, filed by the committee's secretary Wilson Pao, sought the Court's intervention to secure the release of Rs 11.43 crore - the pending 10 % State share.

90 % of the fund for the project is provided by the Central Government while the remaining 10 percent was to be contributed by the State Government.

Notably, the road originates from National Highway No 2 (Old NH-39) at Senapati bridge (128.90 Km) and it connects Phaibung village, linking many other villages.

The construction began on December 16, 2002 from both ends, Senapati end (Km 0.000) and Phaibung end (Km 128.900) .

Only half of the project was completed when it stalled for the first time in the year 2012-2013 .

The construction work resumed in 2018, but it was left incomplete due to non-release of the 10% State share to the construction agency.

Hearing the petition filed by the committee, the High Court on July 23 directed the authorities concerned to submit a comprehensive report.

In a further hearing on August 21, the High Court directed the State Government to release the 10% State Share for early completion of the project.

In compliance with the Court's direction, the State through the Works Department released Rs 11,34,00,000 .

While disposing of the PIL on September 4, the High Court directed the PWD to complete the construction of the road as early as possible.

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