Manipur’s Shangshak to Get 2-Lane Road to Tengnoupal After 50 Years, Villagers Warn Against Poor Construction Quality

However, villagers from 25 villages along the route have issued a strong warning against companies bidding below the estimated project cost.

After five decades of waiting, the construction of the 2 lane Shangshak-Tengnoupal section of NH-101A road in Manipur is finally set to begin. However, villagers from 25 nearby villages along the route have issued a strong warning against companies bidding below the estimated project cost, stressing that such practices could lead to poor-quality construction.

The United Senior Citizens Forum, 43 Phungyar AC, formed during a joint meeting on Wednesday, declared that any contractor attempting to secure the project through low bidding would face stiff opposition. The forum said that compromising on cost would result in substandard infrastructure, affecting the safety and longevity of the road.

Village chiefs and secretaries from Phaleng, Leishi, Koso, Shangshak, Tangkhul Hundung, Sorde, Phungyar, Leiting, Meileng, Sohko, Alang, Khambi, Shoratheng, Parbung, Sorbung, Lehonglo, Monthou, and other villages participated in the meeting, collectively voicing their concerns.

Speaking to the media, forum secretary David Zimik said that the Shangshak-Tengnoupal section of NH-101A is finally being upgraded to a two-lane highway after 50 years of demand. He urged all construction firms to prioritise quality and refrain from bidding below the estimated cost.

“If any company tries to take over the project by quoting below the approved budget, all 25 villages will strongly oppose its implementation,” he stated.

On behalf of the villagers, he expressed gratitude to both the Central and State Governments for approving the project, highlighting that the road will not only improve connectivity but also boost the local economy and bring development to the region.

The forum stressed that maintaining construction quality is a priority, and if companies adhere to high standards, villagers will fully support the project’s completion.

The meeting also passed a resolution barring any firm from bidding below the estimated cost. This resolution has been forwarded to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Secretary, the Governor of Manipur, the Chief Secretary, NHIDCL Managing Director, and the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD).

David Zimik pointed out that in Manipur, several past road projects suffered due to companies bidding 20 to 30 percent below the approved budget, leading to poor-quality work. He stressed that funds for such projects are sanctioned only once in several decades, making it essential to ensure proper execution.

He also cited examples of incomplete road projects, including the Yaingangpokpi-Finch Corner Road, Imphal-Jiribam Highway, and Tadubi-Tolloi Road, all under NHIDCL, as well as the Imphal-Kangchup-Haochong-Bhalok Road, implemented by the State PWD.

He further alleged that several financially struggling companies from outside Manipur have been securing contracts through low bids, prioritizing profit over quality. He urged authorities to take strict action against such practices to ensure durable and reliable infrastructure in the state.

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