Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President K. Meghachandra Singh on Monday expressed serious concern over the poor quality of work, lack of transparency and alleged non-compliance with Detailed Project Report (DPR) norms in the ongoing construction of the Imphal–Ukhrul–Jessami Road (NH-202) and the Ukhrul–Tolloi–Tadubi Road (NH-102A).
Addressing a press briefing at Ukhrul Wino Bazar, Meghachandra Singh alleged that the road projects being executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) are not adhering to prescribed technical standards. He stated that essential works such as proper poch cutting, slope stabilisation and fresh road formation, which are clearly mandated in the DPR, are not being carried out. Instead, construction is reportedly being undertaken directly over the existing old road, a practice he described as technically unsound and highly dangerous, particularly in hilly and landslide-prone areas like Ukhrul, Jessami and adjoining regions.
The MPCC President warned that constructing national highways without proper poch cutting severely compromises road strength, durability and public safety, and would inevitably lead to frequent landslides, premature road failure and repeated wastage of public funds.
He further alleged that the manner in which the works are being executed reflects a total lack of transparency, absence of accountability on the part of the executing agencies, weak monitoring and supervision, and a callous attitude of the government towards the hill districts. Terming the issue a serious governance failure, Meghachandra Singh said the government’s claims of infrastructure development stand exposed when roads are constructed merely for namesake, ignoring DPR specifications and public safety concerns.
Meghachandra Singh demanded immediate inspection of the projects by an independent technical team, public disclosure of DPR provisions and work components, strict enforcement of quality control norms, fixing of responsibility on NHIDCL officials and contractors, and time-bound corrective measures to address the lapses.
He cautioned that the Congress party would continue to raise the issue at every appropriate forum and would not allow the government to compromise the safety and rights of the people of Ukhrul and other hill districts. Stating that people deserve quality roads and not cosmetic works, he added that public money cannot be misused at the cost of public suffering.
