Work on Jiribam-Tupul rail project in full swing

Work on the railway project connecting Manipur's Jiribam sub-division with Tupul in Tamenglong District near Imphal, is in full swing.

It is expected to be completed within the next three years at an estimated cost of around Rs.4,445 crores.

The length of Tupul-Imphal railway line is 26.925 kms. The Jiribam-Tupul railway line was included in the 2003-2004 budget by the Central Government in view of its Look East Policy.

With improvement in connectivity, transit time will be reduced and costs will be brought down.

Gulapi Singh, a local resident, said: "Nowadays, the price of essential commodities is very high. After completion of this railway project, their costs would come down, and many goods from Manipur also can be exported outside the state. It will benefit the people."

Z. William, a student, said: "This will benefit in a different kind of development, like education and communication."

A majority of 107 minor bridges, seven major bridges and three road over bridges and two road under bridges have been constructed so far.

The construction of four out of the 34 tunnels has also been completed. The railway line will also help the Indian Oil Corporation supply oil from its 'Rail Fed Oil Depot' in Manipur.

K I Singh, IOC's Senior Retail Divisional Manager,said: "We are making good progress in construction of the Rail Fed Oil Depot at Malom Village which will be completed by December 2014. After completion of the Tupul railway line, it will resolve many problems of the state."

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

It will also enhance trade relations with neighbouring states and ASEAN countries, besides ensuring an increase in people-to-people contacts.