In an alarming situation on the quality of construction, the new broad gauge line track No. 1 of the North East Frontier Railway Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal at Khongsang station was found sinking, posing great danger to the travellers.
A span of at least 50 metres was found sinking while around 70 metres wide halfmoon type cracked was found on the ground affecting track Nos. 1 and 2 towards Tupul side at around 550 to 600 meters from Khongsang station.
The Tribeni Construction Limited team led by one engineer, Surojit Ojha, have been working to fix the sinking portion.
Speaking to the media, Surojit Ojha warned that the situation might worsen if there is heavy rainfall for three to four days. At least 2.6 feet sank from the normal line and in order to control sinking, the construction company is making beds down the hillock, he added.
Responding to media queries, the site engineer said that the construction company is making layers of loose soil/mud rolled over to harden the layers by roller machine.
Khongsang Railway Station Manager Sinreap Gangmei said that the railway track sank on April 14 and travellers have been facing great inconvenience.
He said that since the commissioning of Khongsang railway station in October 2022, no maintenance has been sanctioned. Toilets, urinals and station areas have been very unhygienic, he said, adding that he spends from his pocket cleaning the surroundings and toilet blocks from time to time. The staff quarters constructed are also substandard, he added.
The Station Manager also mentioned that the acute shortage of staff is another main issue at Khongsang railway station, Thingou station and Oinamlong sub-station.
Speaking to a local news channel, Sangrung (Khongsang) village railway welfare association president Guanglinlung Phaomei said that their members have been voluntarily cleaning the station due to the dirty condition.
The association was formed to overlook the station to lead and guide the passengers if required and to maintain cleanliness in the station, and bring development to the village, said the president. If any passengers require any help, he/she could reach out to him on his mobile no- 8413928254, he added.
He also appealed to all passengers or travellers to help in maintaining cleanliness at Khongsang railway station.
