In a first, construction of rigid pavement covering the entire state capital of Manipur has been taken up.
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IMPHAL — In a first, construction of rigid pavement (concrete road) covering the entire state capital of Manipur has been taken up.
Informing this, Chief Engineer of Public Works Department (PWD), Chongtham Bishwachandra, said that the execution of this project involving short panel concrete technology is taken up under Manipur Urban Road, Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project (MURDAMIP).
The project aims to improve the connectivity, safety and resilience of the urban and sub-urban roads and drainage networks in greater Imphal.
Addressing an interaction programme with the media persons held in connection with the ongoing rigid pavement works under external aided project in Imphal on Saturday, the chief engineer cited poor roads, inadequate drainage, waterlogging, flooding, traffic congestion, and safety risks as reasons for the rigid pavement project at an interaction with media in Imphal.
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The total cost of the project is INR 3,647.23 crore, of which INR 2,896.02 crore is financed through an Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) loan.
The project covers a total road length of 547.281 km for improvement and construction, along with road asset management and a preliminary hydrology study of the Imphal Basin.
According to Bishwachandra, 10% of concrete road construction and 4% of drainage work is done, while bituminous road construction is nearly 50% complete.
He said the project has a 3-year construction period and 5-year defect liability period, adding they'll hold coordination meetings with stakeholders and other departments to ensure its success, given multiple projects are underway.
He said the concrete roads are designed for 15 years but may last 20-30 years. For safety concerns, the department has a grievance redress mechanism to address public issues like pollution.
Aarvee Engineering Consultants Limited, a consultant of the project, is also overseeing the construction activities.
The chief engineer further said that department engineers are working round the clock to address issues, and contractors have been instructed to install safety signage, create awareness, and inform locals before construction.