Repair work starts after locals protest pathetic road
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 29 2025: A group of locals blocked the Wangkhei-Kongba road from Laishram Leikai Haraopham to Meitei Mayek High School today, expressing their discontent over the road's poor condition.

The blockade which lasted for hours was lifted after repair work on the road commenced at around 3 pm.

The protesters were reportedly dissatisfied with the lack of maintenance of the road, which has been in a state of disrepair for years.

Notably, the road stretch from Palace Compound to Kongba is in a deplorable state, with the section from Laishram Leikai Haraopham to Meitei Mayek Crossing being particularly distressing.

Various local clubs have been urging the authorities to repair the road, citing the immense difficulties faced by commuters.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, the locals said that authorities only take action after protests, rather than addressing issues proactively.

The recent floods further exacerbated the poor condition of Wangkhei-Kongba road, which was already in a dire state, they said and added that the section near Dr Tondon's residence at the adjacent place between Wangkhei Thangjam Leikai and Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai was particularly problematic, even before the floods, with numerous large potholes making it hazardous for commuters.

The stretch of the road between Wangkhei Thangjam Leikai and Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai spanning approximately 1 Km is severely damaged, with massive potholes reaching up to five feet in diameter and one foot in depth, the locals said and added that these potholes have become a hazard, especially when filled with water, leading to numerous accidents in the area.

Although maintenance work on the road briefly commenced, covering only a small portion, it was abruptly halted without completion, they said and added that their repeated pleas to the authorities for proper repairs of the road have been met with no response or action.

The locals urged the authorities to end the practice of only taking action after protests.

Another source said that Keystone Company is engaged to repair the road.

It is reported that local clubs had written to the Externally Aided Project Division of the Public Works Department to repair the Wangkhei-Kongba road.

Although repair work began on some sections, the most dilapidated portion between Wangkhei Thangjam Leikai and Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai was inexplicably skipped.

Frustrated with the authorities' inaction despite repeated pleas, locals blocked the road by erecting bamboo fences at various points since morning.

In response to the protest, the company concerned began repairing the road around 3 pm, deploying machinery and scattering stones.

The blockade was lifted following this development.

However, the locals warned that they would resume their protest if the road repairs are not done with quality control.

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