Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced a revised completion date for the Jiribam-Imphal railway line, a critical project for the region’s connectivity.
During a function held on Saturday, the Chief Minister stated that the project’s completion is now expected by the end of 2025, due to unforeseen circumstances.
The project, earlier scheduled for completion by December 2023 with a budget of Rs 14,322 crore, has faced delays.
Officials attribute this to the “prevailing situation” in the state, without elaborating.
Despite the setback, construction continues, with the Noney Bridge, a key component, reaching 93% completion. This bridge, poised to be the world’s tallest railway pier bridge at 141 meters, is part of the 111-kilometre railway line. The entire project encompasses multiple tunnels totalling 61.32 kilometres, along with 11 major bridges and 137 minor bridges.
Upon completion, the Jiribam-Imphal railway line will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities.
The current road journey of 220 kilometres, taking approximately 10 hours, will be replaced by a train trip of just two and a half hours.