Guwahati: In a significant move towards sustainable urban transport solutions in Manipur, the state’s Imphal Ring Road project is gearing up to introduce a fleet of women-operated e-buses and e-rickshaws.
Spearheaded by Project Director cum Chief Engineer, Externally Aided Projects (EAP) of Manipur Public Works Department (PWD), Yumnam Joykumar Singh, this initiative aims to tackle the persistent traffic congestion plaguing the Imphal city.
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With construction works of the project all set to commence in May this year, with a target to complete it within 28 months, the project is poised to transform transportation dynamics in the princely state.
Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to the tune of Rs 1,760 crore, the project is a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. It seeks to deploy as many as 20 e-buses and a total of 52 e-rickshaws, operated exclusively by women.
This paradigm shift in transportation will not only address traffic congestion but also empower women by providing them with employment opportunities as well as fostering gender equality. The vehicles are to be operated under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, with an emphasis on prioritising women-headed households in the project-affected areas.
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To ensure seamless operations, rigorous training programmes will be provided to the selected women operators, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the urban landscape.
The project encompasses a length of 51.23 kilometres, strategically covering portions of the Imphal East and Imphal West districts of the Northeast state. As construction works gear up, compensation disbursement for affected landowners and structures is well underway.
A substantial amount of Rs110 crore has already been allocated for Imphal East, with an additional Rs 69 crore earmarked for Imphal West. This concerted effort underscores the project’s commitment to fair and equitable development.
Divided into three phases, the construction will progress systematically. Package 1, spanning 19.225 kilometres, will mark the project’s initial phase. This segment will traverse key areas in the Imphal East district, culminating at the mouth of the Heingang Ching, a hill in the Heingang area of Imphal East.
Beginning at Kyamgei Pal Ahanbi in Imphal East district, situated just east of National Highway (NH) 102 (formerly NH 39), near the Maharaja Gambhir Singh statue, next to the Manipur University, the ring road will traverse through Canchipur-Bashikhong-Uchekon-Kongba Bazar-Ayangpalli Road and the Porompat Crossing.
From this point, a 1.570-kilometre spur road will be constructed, extending past the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) Road, and leading up to the Doordarshan Kendra, Imphal.
Returning to the Porompat Crossing, the road will proceed towards DC Imphal East Road, passing through Chairenthong and Kairang Muslim village, and finally reaching the mouth of the Heingang Ching, marking the conclusion of Package 1.
Package 2 commences from the mouth of Heingang Ching, proceeding through Heingangpat-Mongjam village and the northern side of the Catholic Medical Centre (CMC hospital) in Koirengei, and then connecting with NH 102 for a six-kilometre stretch up to Sangakpham Bazar.
It will then continue past prominent landmarks such as the Thangmeiband Capital Project, Manipur Pony Breeding Farm in Thangmeiband, Fishery Crossing and the Minor Irrigation (MI) office in Lamphel.
A 0.815-kilometre spur will extend from the MI office line to the gate of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS hospital). From the MI office line, the route will head towards Kombirei Road-Game Village Langol-Iroisemba Road and Uripok Kangchup Road, reaching Langjing in Imphal West district, marking the endpoint of Package 2.
Starting from Langjing near the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) campus, Package 3 intersects NH 37 (formerly NH 53), leading to Tabungkhok. Additionally, a 1.08-kilometre spur from the Tabungkhok line will extend to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) Godown.
Continuing from the Tabungkhok line, the route will pass through Tera Saddokpam village-Human Resource Development Academy, crossing NH 2 (formerly NH 150), and then proceeding along the northern wall of the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport-Langthabal village-MU South wall, and conclude near the Gambhir Singh statue in Canchipur, marking the endpoint of Package 3.
Beyond infrastructure development, the Imphal Ring Road project embraces a holistic approach towards environmental and social sustainability. Two biodiversity parks with jogging treks, nestled in Heingangching and Khonghampat, will serve as havens for local flora and fauna, promoting biodiversity conservation.
Additionally, rejuvenation efforts for a total of 10 water bodies, including the iconic Ipum Pat, underline the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship. These initiatives align with international standards, ensuring compliance with environmental laws, and safeguarding the region’s natural heritage.
As the project unfolds, community engagement and empowerment remain integral pillars of its success. A robust grievance redressal mechanism, comprising both project-level and state-level committees, has been established to address concerns and foster transparency.
Stakeholder participation, including input from civil society bodies, is actively encouraged, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability within the community.
Upon completion, the Imphal Ring Road project promises to usher in a new era of urban mobility, characterised by efficiency, sustainability and inclusivity. By reducing traffic congestion, enhancing connectivity and promoting environmental stewardship, the project not only addresses immediate infrastructure needs but also lays the foundation for long-term prosperity.
As the wheels of progress set in motion, Imphal City stands poised for transformation, with the Imphal Ring Road leading the charge towards a brighter and more sustainable future.
Speaking on the upcoming Imphal Ring Road initiative, the Director of Manipur’s Transport Department, David Elangbam, expressed dismay over the flagrant disregard for motor vehicle regulations in the state, particularly within Imphal city.
Elangbam attributed the city’s traffic congestion not to a surge in vehicle numbers, but to systemic failures. He revealed that a total of 1,734 motor vehicles had been registered so far this year, with a total of 564,873 registered over the past five years.
Emphasising the necessity for a comprehensive transport policy, he asserted that Manipur requires a solution capable of tackling all transportation issues effectively.