Modi gives go ahead for Rs1630 crores Manipur road project

From a Correspondent

New Delhi, July 12: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday has given its approval for upgradation and widening of 65 kms of Imphal-Moreh Section of NH-39 in Manipur at a cost of Rs 1630.29 crores.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister rendra Modi has given the approval on the project which is being developed with ADB’s loan assistance under the South Asian Sub-Regiol Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Road Connectivity Investment Program.

Manipur being a landlocked state with almost 90 percent of the area under difficult terrain presently has only road transport as a means of mass transport system within the state.

The project will improve connectivity between Imphal with the eastern part of the state. Based on the existing and projected traffic requirements the NH-39 will be widened to 4 lane between Lilong village and Wanginj village, while the stretch between Wanginj village to Khongkhang will be upgraded to 2 lane with paved shoulder.

The project is being developed with ADB’s loan assistance under the South Asian Sub-Regiol Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Road Connectivity Investment Program which aims at upgradation of road infrastructure in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and India (BBIN) in order to improve the regiol connectivity among BBIN tions.

The project corridor is also a part of the Asian Highway No 01 (AH01) and acts as India’s Gateway to the East.

In fact, for fulfilling India’s “Look East” Policy and to promote and enhance trade link with South East Asia, the Government of India has notified an Integrated Custom Post (ICP) at Moreh. The development of this project is essential in order to support the increased traffic volume due to coming up of ICP.

The workers of Manipur who specialize in creating bamboo and wood based handicraft items and uniquely designed hand woven textile items will get a new market among the Myanmar’s customers. Small scale industries such as those making farm implements and tools, stationery, plastic extrusion items, carpentry units, could also develop markets beyond the border.