IMPHAL, Apr 1: With a view to ensure smooth traffic by the first week of May, development works have been initiated along Imphal-Jiribam highway (NH 37) which is one of the two lifelines of the State.
Notably, the people of Manipur and successive State Governments were not happy with the way BRO was constructing and maintaining the highway for the past many decades.
Sources informed that the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) started working on the highway since it took over the highway from the hands of BRO some time back.
In the first phase, the highway was divided into three sections (chainages) and maintenance works were initiated. The section spans over 75 Kms from Imphal, the second section covers 75 Kms to 145 Kms and the third section covers 145th Km to Jiribam.
One contractor has been roped in for each of the three sections and repairing works have started.
The first section is being handled by HVS Construction Private Limited, the second section by Nidhi Creative Infrastructure Private Limited and the third section by Bhartiya Infra Private Limited.
The three contractors would take charge of maintaining their respective highway sections for one year.
The contractors have mobilised necessary manpower and machinery. Repairing works have already started at highly dilapidated Irang and Makru areas.
It is expected that highway repairing work up to black topping stage can be completed for the first section within the current working season.
However, the highway work has been hampered by the incessant rainfall in the last two/three days. Even if black topping work cannot be completed, smooth vehicular traffic can be ensured within the stipulated period, informed the sources. Apart from construction and maintenance of the highway, Bhartiya Infra Pvt Ltd would handle construction of the news.
The company would also look after wear and tear that breaks out along the highway until new Barak and Makru bridges are constructed with RCC.
The maintenance work of the 220 Kms long Imphal-Jiribam also encompasses bitumen related works.
NHIDCL has already assured the Chief Minister that smooth vehicular traffic would be ensured along the highway by the first week of May even if black topping work cannot be completed, the sources added.
Source: The Sangai Express
