Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: The Asian Development Bank has frozen financial support for the 1,766 crore Imphal Ring Road project in Manipur. This move leaves the state government struggling with mounting debt and stalled construction. The 51.23-km route through Imphal East and West districts faces an uncertain future. Work was initially set for a 2027 completion date.
Trouble stems from the Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong Road project. The lender pumped 1,400 crore into that route, but it remains unfinished. Reports suggest the bank is reconsidering its investment due to alleged irregularities and poor work quality. Finishing the IKTR road could demand another 300 crore from the state budget. The state currently lacks the cash to cover those costs.
Procedural errors complicated the IRR project significantly. Officials issued tenders and work orders before finalizing loans or getting alignment approval. Contractors hit the ground early. Now, the government faces a 30 crore liability in pending payments after already shelling out 50 crore. State authorities are now searching for new lenders.
Land acquisition adds to the financial strain. The government already paid 30 crore in compensation for property. The total cost for land sits near 100 crore, with 70 crore supposedly set aside. The process remains frozen until the state secures new capital. Regarding the broader infrastructure fallout, sources claimed that "nearly Rs 300 crore more may be required to complete the IKTR project," leaving the government in a tough spot.
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