IMPHAL, Apr 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reviewed the existing condition of Imphal-Jiribam highway together with Chief Secretary O Nabakishore, officials of National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) through video conference.
After enquiring about the existing condition of the highway, the Prime Minister instructed NHIDCL as well as MoRTH officials to develop the highway and maintain it in tip top condition.
Narendra Modi asked the Chief Secretary if the highway has seen any improvement since it was taken over by NHIDCL from BRO.
The Chief Secretary replied that the highway has seen some changes but a lot more needs to be done.
The highway is being repaired/developed after it has been divided into three sections.
Even though section-I is somewhat passable, the other two sections are still languishing in deplorable condition.
Only 89 workers and very few machinery are engaged in the highway development work which is 222 Kms long, the Chief Secretary reported to the Prime Minister.
Pointing out that Imphal-Jiribam highway is the second lifeline of the State of Manipur, O Nabakishore urged Narendra Modi to develop the highway as a standard highway as early possible , if possible before this monsoon season.
He also conveyed to the Prime Minister that Works Minister T Biswajit made a field inspection of the highway development work yesterday. On the other hand, NHIDCL and MoRTH officials claimed that the highway has improved considerably. After giving a patient hearing to all the reports presented to him, the Prime Minister instructed NHIDCL and MoRTH officials to develop and maintain the highway in tip top condition. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren has directed all officials concerned to complete construction of helipad as well as approach road at Koutruk within 10 days.
Notably, it has been reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lay foundation stone of National Sports University at Koutruk, and he may use a helicopter to travel to Koutruk.
Source: The Sangai Express
