(Photo Courtesy: NFR)
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Maligaon, August 24 (MExN): Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction) General Manager Ashish Bansal recently inspected the Jiribam-Khongsang, Khongsang-Awangkhul and Awangkhul-Imphal sections of the Jiribam-Imphal New Line Railway Project in Manipur, reviewing the progress of ongoing construction and key infrastructure works.
During the inspection, Bansal reviewed various construction activities along the project alignment and assessed the status of important railway infrastructure.
He also inspected the Khongsang-Awangkhul section, including the yards, with particular focus on preparedness for the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection scheduled for October 2026.
Bansal further inspected Tunnel Nos. 28 and 12 and reviewed the progress of tunnelling works.
The Jiribam-Imphal New Line project, with a total length of 110.625 km, is among the major railway infrastructure projects in the Northeast. The line traverses difficult and hilly terrain and involves extensive tunnelling and bridge construction.
The project comprises 54 tunnels with a cumulative length of about 66.47 km. Construction of the tunnels through challenging geological and mountainous terrain involves advanced techniques and stringent safety and quality measures.
The project also includes 15 major and 116 minor bridges. Bridge No. 164 at Noney is the tallest, with a pier height of 141 metres.
The new line has 11 stations -- Jiribam, Vangaichungpao, Rani Gaidinliu, Kambiron Halt, Thingou, Khongsang, Awangkhul, Noney, Tupul, Haochong Road Halt and Imphal.
These stations are expected to improve rail access for people in surrounding areas and facilitate passenger and goods movement.
The project is being executed in phases. The Jiribam-Vangaichungpao section was commissioned in February 2017, while the Vangaichungpao-Khongsang section was commissioned in September 2022. Work on the remaining sections is progressing in phases towards completion.
During the inspection, Bansal emphasised the need to maintain high standards of safety and construction quality while ensuring timely execution of the works.
He reviewed the progress with officials and field personnel and directed them to closely monitor construction activities and address issues promptly to ensure smooth progress.
The Jiribam-Imphal New Line is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between Manipur and the rest of the country, besides providing faster and more reliable passenger transportation and facilitating movement of essential commodities and goods.
The project is also expected to boost transportation and contribute to the economic and social development of the region.
The inspection underscores the continued efforts of Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction) towards expediting major railway infrastructure projects in the Northeast, with emphasis on safety, quality and efficient execution.
