Cracks emerge near Tunnel No 12

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 16: Large cracks have emerged near tunnel number 12 of Imphal-Jiribam railway line in Imphal West.
Residents of Tairenpokpi Awang Leikai in Imphal West district have raised serious concerns after ground subsidence and major cracks were reported in the area, allegedly linked to the ongoing construction of Tunnel No 12 of the railway project.
Tunnel 12, which stretches from Sahaibung village to Atongkhuman village, is 10.25 Kms in length. The construction work began in 2016, and around 1.45 Km of the tunnel is yet to be completed.
Ningthoujam Loken, a resident of Tairenpokpi Awang Leikai, said that the ground in the village first caved in a few weeks ago, with water accumulating at the site for some time.
He added that railway officials later visited the area and filled in the caved-in portion with soil.
“Recently, large cracks have developed at his brother Leibakchao’s house. The major cracks appeared in areas close to the side of the tunnel, although the tunnel structure itself has not shown any visible cracks,” Loken said.
Following the incident, Railway officials, along with representatives from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Imphal West, inspected the affected area.
Railway officials are reportedly carrying out inspections on a daily basis, said sources.
Loken also said that officials examined the situation and assured the residents that the matter would be taken up with higher authorities.
However, the affected families are living in fear as they lack the financial means to relocate themselves.
He further stated that they do not have the resources to shift to another place.
“We are forced to stay here and hope that no further cracks develop”, he said.
He further pointed out that while the tunnel area has been officially marked, the locations where the cracks have appeared fall outside the designated zone, raising concerns about the extent of the impact of the tunnel construction on nearby residential areas.