Manipur’s ₹1,766 Crore Imphal Ring Road Project Faces Funding Crisis as ADB Reportedly Withholds Support
Imphal, July 14: The proposed Imphal Ring Road (IRR) Project, one of Manipur’s largest planned infrastructure initiatives, has reportedly encountered a major financial setback after the Asian Development Bank (ADB) withheld funding, raising concerns over the future of the project.
According to sources, the ADB is reassessing its financial commitment following alleged irregularities and delays in the implementation of the ADB-funded Imphal–Kangchup–Tamenglong Road (IKTR) Project. The reported decision has slowed progress on the Ring Road project and placed additional financial pressure on the state government.
The 51.23-kilometre Imphal Ring Road, with an estimated project cost of around ₹1,766 crore, is designed to ease traffic congestion in Imphal by providing an alternative bypass connecting parts of Imphal East and Imphal West districts. The project was originally targeted for completion by 2027.
Sources said the ADB has not released any funds for the project so far. Officials reportedly believe concerns arising from the delayed IKTR project may have influenced the lender’s decision. The ADB had earlier financed the IKTR project with nearly ₹1,400 crore, but the road remains incomplete despite substantial expenditure.
According to sources, completing the IKTR project may require an additional ₹300 crore, which would have to be arranged by the Manipur Government. However, the state’s financial constraints have made it difficult to mobilise the required resources.
The project has also reportedly been affected by procedural issues. Sources claimed that tenders were floated and work orders issued before loan negotiations with the ADB were initiated and before the proposed road alignment received the lender’s approval. As a result, construction activities began without confirmed financial backing.
Officials said the state government has already released approximately ₹50 crore from its own funds to pay contractors, while another ₹30 crore remains pending.
In the meantime, the government is reportedly exploring alternative funding sources from other financial institutions to keep the project moving.
Land acquisition has emerged as another major challenge. The government has already spent around ₹30 crore on compensation to affected landowners, while the total acquisition cost is estimated at nearly ₹100 crore. Around ₹70 crore has reportedly been earmarked for the remaining compensation, but further payments are expected to remain on hold until the project’s funding situation becomes clear.
The uncertainty surrounding external financial assistance has raised fresh questions over the timeline and implementation of one of Manipur’s most significant road infrastructure projects.
