Cracks begin to adorn cement concrete road
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 17 2026: Designed for 30 years, the cement concrete road project (rigid pavement) implemented under the Manipur Urban Road, Drainage, and Asset Management Improvement Project (MURDAMIP) has begun developing cracks and potholes in some areas.

Notably, the concrete road project is being implemented across Imphal city to reduce high maintenance costs, as the poor drainage system, coupled with the prolonged monsoon season, often leads to the rapid deterioration of asphalt reads.

Cracks begin to adorn cement concrete road

However, as cracks and potholes have started to appear along the stretch from Kongba Meitei Mayek High School to Wangkhei Puja Lampak, questions have arisen whether there was a compromise on the quality of construction.

The construction of the rigid pavement road from Kongba Meitei Mayek High School to Wangkhei Puja Lampak in Imphal East began in late 2025 by AMRIL-IRCON Joint Venture Project.

In some sections of the road, the outer layer has cracked, causing stones from beneath to be displaced.

Moreover, cracks and potholes have developed in the adjoining areas where the first and second sections of the road were constructed.

The project description, meanwhile, clearly states that improved road infrastructure is essential for development, citing the gradual population growth in Greater Imphal and the expansion of urban areas beyond the Imphal Municipal limits.

It also mentions that concrete roads are more durable, which will reduce maintenance costs and provide greater convenience to the public.

Despite the Government's lofty ambitions, the project has caused significant inconvenience to residents living on either side of the road.

Some residents of Wangkhei Meihoupham Lampak told The Sangai Express that the emergence of cracks and potholes reflects the compromise on quality during the project execution.

They also mentioned that several accidents have occurred along the stretch due to a lack of safety measures during the execution of the project.

Saying that they were initially pleased with the construction of the concrete road, the locals stated that the road from Kongba Meitei Mayek High School to Wangkhei Puja Lampak, however, has begun to deteriorate just five months after its construction.

They urged the PWD to look into the matter and do the needful.