Union minister of state for railways and textiles Darshana Jardosh said that the Jiribam-Imphal railway project will not only enhance the connectivity of the region with other parts of the country but boost tourism in Manipur.
The Union minister while addressing the media in Imphal on August 25 before concluding her four-day visit to the state, said that the national project is all set to meet its completion target.
The project is targeted to be completed by December 2023 and about 80% of the project has been completed, she said, informing that she had personally visited some of the ongoing construction sites on August 24.
The 111-km Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal Railway project was taken up as a national project with an estimated cost of Rs 12,264.15 crore.
“I have personally inspected the progress works of some of the tunnels and bridges including the highest bridge which the construction is in progress. I am satisfied with the current pace of progress,” Darshana Jardosh said.
Despite the unfortunate landslide which happened near the railway project in Noney District and various other challenges, the entire team has been working relentlessly to expedite the completion of the Jiribam-Imphal railway line. pic.twitter.com/qNpPkJf2fd
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) August 25, 2022
She lauded the Manipur government for its cooperation extended in the Northeast Frontier Railway in the implementation of the Jiribam-Imphal railway project.
The state government is coordinating with the railway authorities very well. As such, there has been a marked progress in the project in the last four years, she said.
Darshana Jardosh informed the media that the construction of the highest bridge, as well as the tunnels, is now 50% completed and the overall completion is around 80%.
“Once the project is completed, besides enhancing the land connectivity, it will boost the tourism sector of the state,” she said, citing various special features and scenic beauty of the mountainous region which the railway line is passing through.
The NF Railway is also planning to set up picnic spots at various locations along the railway line in consultation with the state government, she said.
Co-chaired a review meeting along with Hon'ble CM of Manipur Shri @NBirenSingh ji.
Appraised the progress of Jiribam-Imphal New Railway line project and instructed the officials to match the work pace with the set timeline.
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/O7dcEmbCM4
— Darshana Jardosh (@DarshanaJardosh) August 25, 2022
The railway ministry is also very concerned so far as safety of the passengers is concerned, she said, while recalling the recent devastating landslide tragedy at the railway project site at Marangching in Noney district that claimed several lives including personnel of the Territorial Army and railways’ staff.
All safety measures to prevent the occurrence of such a tragic incident will be put in place along the whole stretch of the railway line. The alarm system is being installed at strategic locations.
The ministry of railways is consulting with the experts of the IIT and other pertinent authorities experts in the field, she said.
