Pillai brings Rs 300 Crs tidings for NH-53
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 18 2010: Union Home Secretary GK Pillai has informed that Rs 300 crores have been sanctioned and provided to BRO for development of Imphal-Jiri road stretch of National Highway 53 into a world-class road.

Speaking as chief guest of the inaugural function of the 'Development Seminar' organised jointly by the Ministries of Home and DoNER and sponsored by the State Government and the North Eastern Council (NEC) at Hotel Classic here today, Pillai assured that the work on development of Imphal-Jiri road stretch would begin in the next working season.

For this, the Government of India has sanctioned and provided Rs 300 crores to the BRO, he added.

The present condition of NH-53

Admitting that the pace of constructing the railway line from Jiribam to Tupul has been slow, Pillai assured that necessary steps would be taken up to speed up the work.

The proposed railway line from Jiribam to Tupul is to be subsequently extended upto Imphal.

Pillai further said that they have come here to listen to the problems and issues from the people and the Government.

Care would be taken that the recommendations adopted during the seminar are implemented and the public would be taken into confidence on what are the recommendations that have been implemented and what are yet to be implemented, he added.

Secretary of DoNER Ministry Jaytichandra, who was the guest of honour of the function, observed that the fruit of development can come about not just from infrastructural development but from proper utilisation of the available manpower.

In the 10th Plan, there was no return from half of the infrastructural developmental works.

So, there is proper assessment of the manpower, he said, adding that this could be possible only when there is no problem of law and order.

Participating in the seminar, Chief Secretary DS Poonia proposed that development of Sanjenthong into a four-lane bridge and Andro as a tourist destination as well as introduction of helicopter service between Imphal and Jiribam be included among the recommendations of the seminar.

He further informed gathering that Tata Motors has approached the State Government for providing land in connection with imparting training on locomotives.

Accordingly, the Government has identified 20 acres of land at Phaknung in Imphal East district.

The company would construct the building and would provide experts for the training.

Earlier delivering the welcome address, Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East M Lakshmikumar pointed out that there is no sports stadium nor any conference hall in Imphal East.

MLA of Khurai A/C Dr Ng Bijoy, officials of various Union Ministries and State Government as well as leaders of various social organisations were among others who attended the seminar.