Construction work on railway line from Jiribam to Tupul in Manipur in full swing

The government has been consistently trying to develop infrastructure and facilitate better connectivity in the northeastern region. Inspite of frequent disturbances and natural calamities, the process of constructing the railway line from Jiribam to Tupul, which has been further extended till Imphal, is in full swing.

Work on the rail project connecting Manipur's Jiribam subdivision and Tupul in Tamenglong district, near Imphal, is in full swing. It is expected to be completed within three years at an estimated cost of around Rs 4,445 crores.

A team of officials recently inspected the tunnels being constructed as part of the project.

A total of 107 minor bridges, 7 major bridges and 3 Road Over Bridges and 2 Road under Bridges have been constructed so far.

Four out of the 34 tunnels have also been completed. The railway bridge being constructed at Khumji village would also be the world's highest railway bridge.

"The tallest bridge is being targeted to be completed within 18 months, that is by June 2015. If everything goes well, construction work of the bridge can be completed within the stipulated period provided there is no bandh or blockade .If normalcy is there it will be completed within 18 months," Kh. Ratankumar Singh, Minister of Works and Transport.

The Jiribam-Tupul railway line was included in the 2003-2004 budget by the Central Government in view of its Look East Policy.

The project being executed by the Northeast Frontier Railway has also been extended to Imphal and is targeted for completion by 2018.

The government also plans to extend the line up to the border town of Moreh to connect the region with Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries.

The improvement in connectivity will facilitate greater socio-economic development in the region.

" As a public, we don't want any hindrances (bomb and gun attacks) in the process of railway construction because development comes through good transportation and communication system. Coming up of railway line is also a part of development. We should not disturb such developmental works," said Thangjam Dhamen, a local.

Better connectivity will give a fillip to the tourism industry of the region, and it will also speed up industrialization.

It will also enhance trade relationships and people to people contact with neighbouring and ASEAN countries.