CM flags off ADB road construction project
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 13 2014 : Chief Minister O Ibobi today flagged off a new project of constructing a highway from Thoubal to Kasom Khullen.

The highway would connect Tupul to Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kasom Khullen.

90 per cent of the project is being funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and 10 per cent by the Government of India.

This project was conceptualised in 2005.The project would be executed by Australian company SMC International and the company prepared the detailed project although PWD is the work agency.

According to the DPR, the project would cost Rs 324.47 crore at the rate of 2008 .

However , the Government of India gave administrative approval for only Rs 277.01 crore in 2011, much lower than the estimated project cost.

After completing due file processes, Chief Minister O Ibobi flagged off the project at a function held at Yairipok Mayai Keithel today.

With 90 per cent of the project funded by ADB and the remaining 10 per cent by Government of India, the project is 100 per cent grant to the Government of Manipur.

CM freely mingles with the crowd

The amount invested by ADB would be paid back by the Government of India.

In the first phase, the project would begin from Imphal-Kasom Khullen section.

Mobilization of necessary machinery and labourers has been completed.

A full fledged labour dormitory has been already opened at the work site.

Due process of land acquisition is also making good progress on Tupul-Bishnupur-Thoubal section.

The project is targeted for completion by December 2016 .

After flagging off the project, Chief Minister O Ibobi together with Works Minister Dr Ratankumar, Parliamentary Secretary Victor Keishing, MLA Yamthong Haokip, Principal Secretary (Works) Ram Muivah, PWD Additional Chief Engineer Ch Tiken and PWD Project Director (ADB) Y Joykumar went up to Kasom Khullen.

There a public function was held where ADB officials were also present.

A similar public gathering was also held at Khamlang village.

People of Khamlang village and Kasom Khullen were visibly gratified on seeing the Chief Minister and his team there.

Speaking at the two functions, Chief Minister O Ibobi appealed to all sections of the society to cooperate with the road construction for it would be boon to all the people of Manipur.

Announcing that a community hall would be constructed at Khamlang village under MSDP, Ibobi also Khamlang villagers about constructing a guest house there.

Noting that the new highway was being constructed within the broader framework of India's Look East Policy, Ibobi stated that the State Government would send a proposal for opening an international gate on Kasom Khullen side.

Manipur would certainly be the gateway between India and Myanmar.

As such, Manipur occupies a crucial position from the strategic point of view of the Government of India.

The Government of India would be asked to extend the Tengnoupal-Sangshak-Kasom Khullen road currently under construction by BRTF up to Khungnou.

If the same proposal is turned down, the State Government would do the extension part from its own resources, Noting that people in different parts of the State have been enduring water shortage, Ibobi assured that the State Government would explore all options to solve the problem.

The function culminated with the Chief Minister inaugurating newly constructed office buildings of SDO/BDO Kasom Khullen.