Manipur: Serious lapses found in NH-102A construction between Senapati and Ukhrul

Concerns have been raised over the quality of work in the ongoing construction of National Highway-102A, which connects Tadubi in Senapati district with Ukhrul district, after a Poumai Naga tribal body carried out an inspection of the project.

The inspection was conducted by Mashungam Rapongna, president of the Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me, Chilivai (PNTMC), along the nearly 114-km stretch of the highway being executed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

According to the organisation, issues were observed in road cutting, blacktopping, culvert construction and benching. In several stretches, blacktopping was found to be peeling off within days of completion, raising concerns about the quality of materials and workmanship.

The PNTMC said grievances regarding the quality of construction had earlier been submitted to the NHIDCL General Manager in Senapati and the Executive Director in Imphal, but alleged that no corrective action has been taken so far.

The inspection also found the absence of proper benching in several areas, leading to landslides that have already damaged portions of the highway. Cracks were reportedly noticed in culverts even before the road has become fully operational, while road cutting and benching were allegedly not carried out as per prescribed norms.

Observers cautioned that continued substandard construction could pose a serious risk to public safety and affect the long-term usability of the highway.

The tribal body urged NHIDCL to address the issues at the earliest and take corrective measures, and appealed to the district commissioners of Senapati and Ukhrul to intervene, conduct a thorough inquiry and ensure strict adherence to construction standards.