Rail survey works to complete by March 2008

Imphal, Jan 09 (UNI) The final survey for the location of the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway is likely to be completed by March this year, Manipur Information Centre officials today said.

According to a recent report by the DoNER ministry, the detailed estimate for 9.9 kms from Jiribam end has been awarded.

The Centre had sanctioned an outlay of Rs 15 crore has been provided for the project during 2007-08.

The project has been declared as "National Project " and as per the approved funding pattern, 25 per cent of fund is to be provided by the Railway ministry from its own Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) and balance 75 per cent as an additional to GBS.

The proposal for extension of tracks from Tupul to Imphal is being framed and the proposal would be processed for necessary approval based on the survey report.

The estimated cost for the line up to Imphal has been assessed as about Rs 2300 crores and the work for first 10 kms would start in the coming working season during 2007-08.

The state government had been requested to arrange for necessary security forces of the project, which is being implemented by the North East Frontier Railway.

UNI NS PP/src1325