Imphal: Manipur has constituted a three-member high-level committee to conduct a special audit of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong Road (IKTR) project, which has delays, cost overruns, and a funding freeze.
The state government is facing mounting financial liabilities after the ADB reportedly withheld further funding because only 20 kilometres of the planned 103-kilometre road have been completed.
The IKTR project, aimed at reducing the distance between Imphal and Guwahati by around 90 kilometres, has seen limited progress despite substantial investment. Of the total project length, only a 20-kilometre stretch has been blacktopped.
To examine the reasons behind the project’s poor implementation, the Manipur government issued an order on July 20 constituting a special audit committee. The panel has been tasked with reviewing the tendering process, utilisation of funds and execution of the project, and will submit its findings and recommendations within three months.
The three-member committee comprises retired Public Works Department (PWD) officials:
- Kh. Temba Singh, former PWD Chief Engineer – Chairman
- T. Rabindrakumar Singh, retired Chief Engineer (NH&NEC) – Member
- N. Subhas Singh, former PWD Chief Engineer – Member
The IKTR project was launched in March 2016 with an initial estimated cost of Rs 1,380 crore, which was later revised to Rs 1,766 crore. The ADB released Rs 1,447.48 crore for the project, while the Manipur government contributed its mandatory 10% share of Rs 115.20 crore.
According to official sources, the project deadline has expired and the available funds were not fully utilised, prompting the ADB to suspend further financial assistance. The state government is now burdened with significant outstanding payments to contractors.
Sources also indicated that once the audit committee submits its report, the findings could pave the way for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).