Manipur Orders Special Audit Into Delayed ADB-Funded IKTR Road Project Amid Cost Escalation

Imphal, July 23: The Manipur government has constituted a three-member high-level committee to conduct a special audit of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong Road (IKTR) project, following concerns over prolonged delays, rising project costs, and the suspension of financial assistance.

The audit comes as the state faces increasing financial pressure after the ADB reportedly halted further funding due to the slow pace of construction. Despite the ambitious 103-kilometre road project, only around 20 kilometres have been completed and blacktopped so far.

IKTR Project Meant to Improve Connectivity

The Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong Road (IKTR) project was launched to significantly improve road connectivity between Imphal and Guwahati, reducing the travel distance by nearly 90 kilometres. However, years after its launch, the project has made only limited progress, raising serious concerns over implementation and fund utilisation.

Government Forms Three-Member Audit Committee

In an official order issued on July 20, the Manipur government announced the formation of a special audit committee to investigate the reasons behind the project’s delay.

The committee has been directed to thoroughly examine:

• The tendering and contract award process
• Utilisation of project funds
• Quality and pace of execution
• Administrative and technical shortcomings

The panel has been asked to submit a detailed report along with recommendations within three months.

Committee Members

The committee consists of three retired senior engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD):

• Kh. Temba Singh – Former PWD Chief Engineer (Chairman)
• T. Rabindrakumar Singh – Retired Chief Engineer (NH & NEC) (Member)
• N. Subhas Singh – Former PWD Chief Engineer (Member)

Project Cost Increased Significantly

The IKTR road project was initiated in March 2016 with an estimated budget of ₹1,380 crore. As the project progressed, the estimated cost increased to ₹1,766 crore.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) released approximately ₹1,447.48 crore for the project, while the Manipur government contributed ₹115.20 crore, representing its mandatory 10% share.

Funding Suspended After Deadline Expired

According to official sources, the project failed to meet its completion deadline, and a substantial portion of the available funds remained unutilised. As a result, the ADB reportedly suspended additional financial assistance.

The funding freeze has placed the Manipur government under considerable financial strain, with large outstanding payments reportedly due to contractors involved in the project.

CBI Probe May Follow Audit Findings

Sources indicated that the report submitted by the audit committee could become the basis for further investigation. If serious financial or administrative irregularities are detected, the findings may pave the way for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the project.

The special audit is expected to determine the factors responsible for delays, cost overruns, and the ineffective implementation of one of Manipur’s major infrastructure projects.