Imphal, May 08: Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam has declared that no more land would be acquired in the process of widening National Highway 39 from Krishna Premi Oil Pump to Singjamei Parking other than the 50 feet width demarcated on either side of the road median.

Further announcing that road expansion programme would commence along the NH-150 stretch of tiddim road within a short notice, the Minister said all out efforts would be made to facilitate smooth traffic flow in addition to reducing inconveniences faced by commuters on daily basis.

Speaking to newspersons at his office chamber this evening the Minister said land demarcated for the NH-39 would be limited to the previously identified portion inclusive of the roadside drain.

Explaining on the May 3 notification issued by the imphal Municipal Council authority, the Works Minister clarified that the measure is being initiated for public safety for those residents whose houses are located nearest to the normally busy highway as the Government acquisition would not extend beyond the drainage constructions.

The IMC notice had prohibited private constructions within 10 feet of the drains being constructed along the Moirangkhom-Singjamei route which today evoked strong protest from women folks of the area who opposing the order prevented further drainage works today.

Reacting to the work stoppage agitation, the Minister asserted that no disturbances to the ongoing works would be tolerated and all necessary action would be taken up to ensure smooth progress of the same.

Observing that traffic along Tiddim line is getting severely congested, Govindas said road expansion works to meet the 50 feet width stipulation on either side measured from the middle would begin along the route at the earliest.

Taking note of some owners having already dismantled their private structures paving the way for the road expansion plan, the Minister also mentioned that weather conditions (season) would be taken into account before executing the actual road expansion work.

Referring to inner and outer ring roads system in metropolitan cities of the country, he said similar project will be charted out for the State's capital city in addition to maintaining a bye-pass route.

While a project report on the innerring road would be placed before the North Eastern Council, experts of Indian Railways Construction Corporation would be consulted regarding the outer-ring road plan, he informed.

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