Students’ Orgs Demand Immediate Action Against Negligence in PMGSY Road Maintenance at Maram-Purul Atongba Road

Senapati, March 24, 2025: The Purul Youth & Students’ Organization (PYSO) and the Koide Youth & Students’ Organization (KYSO) have once again expressed deep concern and raised their voices against the continuous negligence in maintaining the Maram-Purul Atongba Road, constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) scheme. Despite repeated complaints and appeals, the contractor and concerned authorities have failed to address the road’s deteriorating condition, leaving the public to endure daily hardships and safety risks—especially during the rainy season when the road becomes nearly impassable.

The PMGSY project (Package Number: MN06294, Phase-XI) involved the construction of the 22-km Maram-Purul Atongba Road, which began on 02-08-2019 and was completed on 01-02-2021. As per project guidelines, the road was to be maintained from 02-02-2021 to 01-02-2026. However, no maintenance work has been carried out to date, leaving the road riddled with potholes, erosion, and uneven surfaces.

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The Maram-Phaibung Road Development Association had highlighted the issue on multiple occasions in the past, but no action was taken. This was followed by a joint formal complaint by PYSO and KYSO on August 6, 2024. Despite these efforts, no corrective measures have been implemented, fueling public frustration as their demands for accountability remain ignored. Students’ bodies and residents have strongly criticized both the contractor, L. Romesh Meetei, and the responsible government departments for gross negligence and lack of accountability.

The Maram-Purul Atongba Road serves as a vital lifeline for over 40 Poumai villages in the Lepaona and Chilivai circles under the 47-Karong Constituency, connecting them to schools, healthcare facilities, markets, and agricultural lands. The road’s poor condition has led to frequent accidents and injuries, increased transportation costs due to vehicle damage, and severe disruptions in essential services such as goods transportation, emergency medical access, and daily commuting.

The students’ bodies are now demanding immediate intervention to conduct long-overdue repairs and ensure the contractor fulfills maintenance obligations under PMGSY guidelines. There are growing calls for an independent inspection, urgent repairs, and accountability for the negligence, with villagers fearing further isolation and danger as the next monsoon approaches.

As the suffering of affected communities intensifies, students’ bodies have warned of stronger actions if authorities and the contractor continue to ignore their plight. A complaint letter will also be submitted by the youth organizations to the local MLA and the Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, urging prompt action.