IMPHAL, Jan 12: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K. Meghachandra Singh on Sunday expressed serious concern over the quality, transparency and adherence to technical norms in the ongoing construction of key national highway projects in Ukhrul district.

Addressing a press briefing at Ukhrul Wino Bazar, Meghachandra raised objections to the construction of the Imphal–Ukhrul–Jessami Road under National Highway 202 and the Ukhrul–Tolloi–Tadubi Road under National Highway 102A. He alleged that the projects, being executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), are not in conformity with the provisions laid down in the Detailed Project Report (DPR).

According to the MPCC president, essential works such as proper bench (poch) cutting, slope stabilisation and fresh road formation—mandated under the DPR—are reportedly not being carried out. Instead, construction is being undertaken directly over existing old roads, a practice he described as technically unsound and dangerous, particularly in hilly and landslide-prone areas like Ukhrul, Jessami and surrounding regions.

He cautioned that the absence of proper slope treatment would severely compromise the strength and durability of the roads, posing serious risks to public safety. Meghachandra warned that such practices could lead to frequent landslides, premature road damage and repeated wastage of public funds.

The Congress leader further alleged a lack of transparency, accountability, and effective monitoring by the executing agencies, describing the issue as not merely a technical lapse but a serious failure of governance. He said claims of infrastructure development stand exposed when roads are built in violation of DPR norms and without regard for public safety.

Meghachandra called for immediate inspection of the projects by an independent technical team, public disclosure of DPR provisions and work components, strict enforcement of quality control norms, fixing responsibility on NHIDCL officials and contractors, and implementation of time-bound corrective measures.

He asserted that the Congress party would continue to raise the issue at all appropriate forums and would not allow the safety and rights of people in Ukhrul and other hill districts to be compromised, adding that citizens deserve quality roads and not cosmetic works funded by public money.