NHIDCL admits lapses, assures to complete work in 9 months
30.6 Km stretch : Dust and slush since 2020
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, September 05 2024: There have been lapses and the construction of the Imphal-Ukhrul road has dragged on beyond the original stipulated time, admitted the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Limited (NHIDCL). The construction of the NH-202 Imphal-Ukhrul road started in 2020, and it was to be completed in 2022 .

Ajay Kumar, General Manager of the NHIDCL said this when a team of leaders of Tangkhul CSOs led by TNL president Sword Vashum conducted a joint inspection of the progress of the work from Finch Corner to Gwaltabi.

The General Manager told the team that there were many issues related to forest clearance, land acquisition, Covid, ongoing Manipur crisis and land dispute between villages which hindered the road construction work.

NHIDCL admits lapses, assures to complete work in 9 months

Meanwhile, Project Manager, PK Singh of Varaha Infra Ltd assured the team that the Imphal-Ukhrul road would be completed by May 2025 .

The Varaha Infra Pvt Limited has the contract for widening and improvement of NH-202 to two lanes from Yaingangpokpi to Finch Corner and maintenance of the existing road.

The Project Manager assured the team that more work force including additional machinery and labourers will be engaged to expedite the work.

Earlier, TNL president Sword Vashum expressed deep disappointment over the protracted work and urged the Varaha Infra Ltd and the NHIDCL to keep their promises and complete the work on time.

He said the project has dragged on without completion even after more than 3 years.

In 3 years, Sword said, only 50 percent of the work has been completed.

The stretch from Finch Corner to Gwaltabi is about 30.6 Kilometres, but the construction has not been completed.

This is sheer negligence on the part of the work agency and the contractor, Sword said.

With the road remaining incomplete, recent rains have further deteriorated the condition of the road causing immense hardships to the people, he added.

The TNL president assured to extend best support and assistance to the NHIDCL and Varaha Infra Ltd in any issue that may arise for resolution and swift progress of the work.

Tangkhul Shanao Long president Thingreiphy Lungharwo also highlighted the deplorable condition of the road that has caused many motor accidents and health hazards to the public.

She said the authorities concerned should give all clearances within a month to swiftly expedite the work.

She urged the NHIDCl and the Varaha Infra Ltd to complete construction/blacktopping before Christmas.

Meanwhile, some of the land affected owners have expressed their plights to the TNL president and his team.

They expressed strong dissatisfaction pertaining to classification of land for compensation, and informed that more than 30 households of Ramva, Shokvao and TM Kasom village are in a vulnerable situation as the ROW ( Right of Way) has crossed inside 30-50 feet with no drainage and breast wall construction.

The inspection team included members of TNL, TSL, TKS, TMNL, TNWL and Ukhrul Autonomous District Council Caretaker Chairman.