Ukhrul: The condition of roads and highways in violence-affected Manipur has worsened, particularly due to recent floods in the valley areas. In response, the central government is taking significant steps to address these infrastructure issues. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, convened a review meeting on Monday in Delhi to assess the progress of 38 National Highway projects spanning 808 kilometers in the state.
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“Reviewed the progress of 38 ongoing National Highway projects covering 808 kilometers in Manipur,..” adding that “The focus of the meeting was on accelerating development in Manipur, ensuring timely completion of these vital infrastructure projects. This will not only improve connectivity but also drive economic growth, reaffirming our commitment to the advancement of the North-east region.”
The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and senior officials. During the meeting, Nitin Gadkari stressed the need to resolve land acquisition disputes and expedite forest clearance procedures.
According to media reports, Minister Nitin Gadkari assured an allocation of Rs. 1,000 crore from the Central Road Fund (CRF) for the development of national highways in Manipur, addressing previous challenges in project implementation linked to the recent unrest. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed gratitude to Gadkari for his commitment to the state’s development and for initiating new infrastructure projects aimed at boosting the economy.
It is noteworthy that on October 8, the Ministry proposed Rs. 399.36 crore of which allocation of work programmes amounting to Rs 217.50 crores was approved under the CRIF scheme for repairing 57 roads in valley areas affected by severe flooding.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of road repairs as road conditions in Manipur hills remain severely neglected by the government.
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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in another announcement on Tuesday said it has approved “50 National Highway projects of 1026 km length in Manipur. Out of this, 44 projects of 902 km length lie in the hills of the State so far. In hills, 8 projects for 125 km have been completed and balance 36 projects of Rs 12000 cr for 777 km are in progress.”
The announcement said that the Annual Plan 2024-25 of the Ministry, there are 2 National Highway projects of Rs 1350 cr for total length 90 km which lies in hills.
“Under CRIF Ministry approves the list of work on State roads as prioritised by the State Government. Out of total 111 Nos. of works in the priority list given by the State Government, depending on the BOS ratio Ministry has approved 57 Nos. of works in the order of priority. The BOS ratio now stands 9.81 against the permissible BoS ratio of 4 for hilly State,” the official communication said.
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