MPCC President raises quality concerns over NH Projects in Ukhrul

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President K. Meghachandra Singh on Sunday expressed serious concern over the quality, transparency, and adherence to technical norms in the ongoing construction of the Imphal–Ukhrul–Jessami Road under National Highway 202 and the Ukhrul–Tolloi–Tadubi Road under National Highway 102A.
Addressing a press briefing at Ukhrul Wino Bazar, K. Meghachandra Singh alleged that the projects being executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited are not in conformity with the provisions laid down in the Detailed Project Report. He stated that crucial works such as proper poch cutting, slope stabilisation, and fresh road formation, which are mandatory under the DPR, are reportedly not being carried out. Instead, construction activities are being undertaken directly over the existing old road, a practice he described as technically unsound and hazardous, particularly in hilly and landslide-prone areas such as Ukhrul, Jessami, and adjoining regions.
The MPCC President cautioned that the absence of proper poch cutting and slope treatment would weaken road strength and durability, posing serious risks to public safety. He warned that such construction practices would inevitably lead to frequent landslides, premature road failure, and repeated wastage of public funds.
K. Meghachandra Singh further stated that the manner in which the works are being implemented reflects a lack of transparency, absence of accountability on the part of executing agencies, weak monitoring and supervision, and a callous attitude of the Government towards the hill districts. He described the issue not merely as a technical lapse but as a serious failure of governance, stating that claims of infrastructure development stand exposed when roads are constructed in violation of DPR norms and without regard for public safety.
He called for immediate inspection of the projects by an independent technical team, public disclosure of the DPR provisions and work components, strict enforcement of quality control norms, fixing of responsibility on officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited and the contractors concerned, and time-bound corrective measures.
The MPCC President asserted that the Congress party would continue to raise the issue at every appropriate forum and would not allow the safety and rights of the people of Ukhrul and other hill districts to be compromised. He added that the people deserve quality roads and not cosmetic works, and that public money should not be misused while citizens continue to suffer.