Northeast Desk, 29th January: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on January 29 laid the foundation stone for the Imphal Ring Road Project, a significant initiative worth Rs 1766 crore. The ceremony took place at Takyel Khongbal Maning Leikai under Patsoi constituency. The state government, with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has undertaken this much-anticipated project to address traffic congestion issues in Imphal areas.
Chief Guest N Biren Singh emphasized the pressing need to alleviate traffic congestion, a major concern due to population growth. The Imphal Ring Road Project, scheduled for completion by 2026, aims to mitigate this issue. Singh commended the ADB for its support in undertaking such a substantial project, anticipating widespread benefits for the state’s residents.
Providing an overview of various state projects, Chief Minister Singh mentioned the Lamphelpat Water Body Rejuvenation Project, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 650 crores. This project encompasses 300 acres of water body area and around 140 acres for a recreation center. Singh also shared plans to connect the recreation center and the Imphal View Tower at Cheirao Ching through a cable car.
Expressing satisfaction with the rejuvenation of the Lamphel Water Body, Singh noted the return of migratory birds, an encouraging sign of environmental revitalization. He addressed environmental concerns, highlighting initiatives to clean the Nambul river and transport household waste through pipelines to the Sewerage treatment plant. Singh emphasized the importance of preserving water bodies to combat potential water scarcity.
Chief Minister Singh announced the development of the ground at Takyel Khongbal Maning Leikai and shared plans to develop Oriental College in Patsoi Assembly Constituency with a project costing Rs. 6.40 crores. The college will also be covered under the College Fagathansi Mission, receiving Rs. 2.5 crore for infrastructure improvement.
Discussing the tough situation in Manipur, Singh assured the government’s commitment to protecting the state’s unity against vested interest groups. He urged the people to unite and face challenges together.
In the keynote address for the Imphal Ring Road Project, Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam highlighted that the project, initiated in 2015-16 and approved in 2020, covers a total distance of 51.23 km. Noteworthy features include a noise pollution control mechanism, making it the first environmentally friendly road of its kind in India. The road comprises 9.5 km of 4-lane stretch and 41.5 km of 2-lane stretch with paved shoulders. An 18 km green field with solar lamp footpath and cycle lane is integrated, along with amenities like food plazas. The ADB will sanction Rs. 1374.75 crores for road and bridge construction, and the remaining cost will be shared by the State and Central Governments for land acquisition and other purposes. Ninety percent of the ADB loan amount will be a grant, with the remaining 10 percent and interest repaid by the state.
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