New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Nitin Gadkari on Monday laid the foundation stones for 13 highway projects and inaugurated a Road safety project in the North-Eastern State of Manipur through video conference.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh presided over the virtual function, attended by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, V K Singh, Ministers of the Manipur State, several MPs, MLAs and senior officers from the Centre and the State.
These projects involve a Road length of 316 kilometers, with construction value of about Rs 3000 crore. Paving the way for development of Manipur, these roads will enhance better connectivity, convenience and economic growth in this NE State.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said, keeping with Prime Minister’s desire to develop infrastructure in the NE, we have undertaken several projects in the region. He assured many new Road projects in Manipur in near future. The Minister announced that the DPR for an elevated road in Imphal is being prepared and within 2-3 months work on this project will begin.
He asked the CM to expedite land acquisition and utility shifting work in the State urgently, so that road projects could be hastened up. On issue Central Road Fund (CRF) also, he assured release of additional funds of about Rs 250 crore as soon as the utilization certificate is received from the State.
The Minister informed that dredging has been completed in Brahmputra and Barak rivers, and it is now possible to Transport people and consignments through waterways. He suggested linking of Imphal with this river route, which is barely 50-60 kms, for getting added benefits for the State economy. He also called for adopting alternate fuel for public transport in the NE region, it being cheaper as well as environment friendly.
