Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that the widening and upgradation of Imphal Ukhrul Road along the NH-202 from Yaingangpokpi to Finch Corner is facing challenges due to land acquisition and forest clearance delays. Despite the hindrance, the work is expected to be completed by May 2024.
This announcement came in response to an unstarred question raised by MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba in the Rajya Sabha today.
The MP expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work along the Imphal Ukhrul road even after three years of commencement and asked about the reasons for the delay and the targeted completion date.
In his reply, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that the work is being carried out in two packages, covering a total length of 31 km. Out of the 17 km in package 1, 16 km of land has been handed over by the state government, and compensation estimates of Rs 860 million are being finalized by the DCs of Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts.
In package 2, all 14 km of land have been handed over, and the forest clearances for both packages have been granted by the Forest Department on March 1, 2023.
Minister Gadkari also mentioned that the physical progress achieved in Package 1 is 52.03%, while in Package 2, it is 43.52%. Despite the challenges, the Union Minister assured that the project is being monitored regularly to ensure timely completion.