Finally, BT Flyover inaugurated
O Ibobi at his witty best before dramatic collapse, now stable
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 30: The much dealyed Bir Tikendrajit Flyover was formally dedicated to the public by the Governor, Dr SS Sidhu this morning, though the celebration was diluted by the sudden collapse of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi after delivering his address.

Before the deterioration to his health, which forced him to take a premature leave, the Chief Minister had promised that the flyover was the beginning in the transformation of Imphal into a modern and model city.

Work for the flyover, which was built by the National Buildings Construction Cooperation, under funding from the Ministry of Urban development began as early as 2003.

The Governor cuts the ribbon of the Flyover and CM being helped to his chair after the collapse

However, the bulk of the construction took place from end of 2005 to 2006 and was finally completed in January this year.

Despite the time extension, Zonalin-charge NBCC, KP Ghosh expressed satisfaction that the construction was fulfilled within the earmarked construction cost of Rs 2492.95 lakhs.

The construction agencies were M/s Buildworth Pvt.

Ltd, Guwahati for the flyover and M/s H Mangilal Singh for R.C.C Pavement and Drain.

Ibobi described the public dedication as a proud moment for the State and expressed confidence that it will ease traffic in the congested commercial areas of Imphal.

He lauded the NBCC for its commendable work despite the need for repeated mobilisaiton of its work force, disarrayed by long halts.

He ascribed the long delay in the construction to time loss from frequent bandhs and blockades and short working seasons due to long monsoon.

In addition, the culture of interference from unwanted elements was a big hurdle, he added.

Obstinate shopkeepers and women vendors, who harried the Government with litigation and other obstructing process halted the project for more than a year, he said.

The market could be shifted to the present location, formerly belonging to the district hospital only after the Govt silenced their objection with force, he recounted.

Besides, the raw materials, chiefly sand which had to be procured from Dimapur and Assam, were brought from outside Manipur, Ibobi said implying the lengthy and time consuming procedure needed in acquiring them.

Outlining the need for complete makeover of the market, Ibobi appealed to the owners of buildings (Ngari shops ) on the west of Laxmi Bazar to comply with the Govt desire to occupy their land for the development of the market.

He said, they will be adequately compensated and rightfully allocated plots in the new shopping centres.

On the other hand, he showed his intentions to inaugurate the market complexes of Nupi Keithel by March next year, install a garbage disposal unit and sparkle the dusty streets of Imphal with bituminous coatings very soon.

Excavation works on the roads carried out by PHED, Power, BSNL among others are being jointly monitored on a weekly basis and the PWD will take up the repair works as soon as possible, for which money will be no constraint, he added.

Governor Dr Sidhu urged the Imphal Municipality to mop up its activities, to prevent the commercial hub from becoming a sore thumb.

On the developmental works taken up the SPF Government, he stated that such projects provides employment opportunities and livelihood to the people of the State.

Manipur is lagging other States in respect of overall development, and the efforts of the Government for enhancements of developmental progress has to be reinforced by the people, he said.

Ghosh asserted that though two-lane flyovers are a rarity, the bridge is a fantastic piece of technical superiority and assured that all aspects of the flyover are in compliance with the guidelines of the Indian Road Congress.