IMPHAL, May 10: Imphal-Sagolmang route will be widened by100 feet to become a six-lane highway by 2015-16, Th Lokeshwar Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly said while inaugurating Lamboi Khul Tiger Camp Ereima Suspension Bridge at Lamboikhul Imphal East District under Khundrakpam Constitution today.
Dr Kh Ratankumar Minister Work who was also present said that the newly inaugurated suspension bridge is 90 metres long.
The construction of the bridge began under the 2011-12 non-plan budget sanctioned in two phases, he said.
He further said that in the first phase in 2011-12 Rs. 30 lakhs was sanctioned and in the second phase in 2014-15 Rs. 50 lakh sanctioned. The total estimated cost for the bridge is Rs. 80 lakhs, he added.
This bridge can give big benefits to Lamboikhul and Tiger Camp people which remove the problem of communication gaps between the two villagers, he said.
While Th Lokeshwar Speaker who is also the local MLA of Khundrakpam, said that the bridge was planned by Lamboikhul grandpa Lala and his beloved late father Nandakumar then MLA of Khundrakpam Constituency.
Accordingly, the duo had recommended and pressured for construction of this suspension bridge to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.
But after his father`™s demise gave a jolt to the dream of the two elders. However, with the help Work Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar the dream of the two elders became a reality.
Though there was no money available for construction, sub-contractor Herobi contributed maximum financial help for the completion of the bridge today, he said.
There are seven bridges planned in Khundrakpam constituency and it is reported that all the bridges will start construction work soon under the PMGSY schemes and NLCPR funds, he said.
The road expansion is also another step towards development of road connectivity`™s everything, he added.
The widening of the road is important because of the100-bedded Imphal East District Hospital being newly constructed in the Sagolmang area.