Jiri-Imp Railway line set for 2016 completion, says Chief Minister

IMPHAL, March 4: The Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh has said that the construction of the railway line from Jiribam to Imphal via Tupul is set to be completed in 2016.

He stated it while inaugurating a two-day workshop on 'New Township at Moreh' under the aegis of the State Commerce and Industries department  at the Classic Hotel at Imphal today.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the state government is making efforts to improve the three aspects indispensable to the development of state industries to develop law and order and the conditions of connectivity and power which is a frequently- asked question put to the state by entrepreneurs from outside the state.

"There are more than 700 acres for the Imphal airport and the  Union Ministry concerned has been urged to upgrade the Airport to an International Airport at the earliest," he said while adding that the 400 K.V.electricity line laying work from Yurembam Sub-Station to Jiribam is in the full swing to improve the power distribution. "If it is finished, the condition of electricity will be improved with the state share from Tripura gas Plant," he pointed out.

Ibobi said that it was earlier set to be completed within the month of March of this year but out of necessity for taking forest clearance etc. it will take some more time.

On the other hand, there are around 50 acres for the construction of integrated check post (ICP) and the state government has urged the central government to start constructing it with the work award, he informed.

The inaugural function of the workshop was presided over by State Commerce and Industries Minister Gobindas Konthgoujam. Additional Chief Town Planner of Urban Development of the Indian Government , KK Joaddar, Chief Secretary of the state, DS Poonia, Principal Secretary of Commerce and Industries, O. Nabakishor Singh,  high level officials of Commerce and Industries Department also attended the function.