India : Imphal Ring Road Project

Project Name

Imphal Ring Road Project

Project Number

55361-001

Country / Economy

• India

Project Status

Proposed

Project Type / Modality of Assistance

• Loan
• Technical Assistance

Source of Funding / Amount

Loan: Imphal Ring Road Project

Source	Amount
Ordinary capital resources	US$ 166.00 million

TA: Imphal Ring Road Project

Source	Amount
Technical Assistance Special Fund	US$ 1.00 million

Operational Priorities

• OP1: Addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities
• OP2: Accelerating progress in gender equality
• OP3: Tackling climate change, building climate and disaster resilience, and enhancing environmental sustainability
• OP4: Making cities more livable
• OP6: Strengthening governance and institutional capacity
• OP7: Fostering regional cooperation and integration

Sector / Subsector

• Transport / Urban roads and traffic management

Gender

Effective gender mainstreaming

Description

The proposed Imphal Ring Road Project will improve quality of life in Imphal by helping to decongest the city and promoting the use of e-vehicles. Access to markets, economic opportunities, as well as administrative, health and educational services will be enhanced. It will stimulate economic activities and directly create jobs. By improving road infrastructure and transport services focusing on safety elements and universal features for pedestrians and vulnerable users, the project benefits will be inclusive. Provision will be made for use of e-vehicles as last mile connectivity to support implementation of low carbon-emission pathways and the proposed project will align with the Paris Agreement requirements.

Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is the most populous city in the landlocked northeastern state and is experiencing rapid population growth. Several national highways connecting to other major cities of the north-eastern states along with trans-Asian routes pass through the city. Thus, Imphal also forms a key node in the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) transport corridors. The proposed IRR project primarily serves as a strategic road connection providing an enhanced route for intra-state and regional traffic to (i) access the state's administrative, judicial, medical, and educational institutes surrounding the Imphal city center; and (ii) facilitate inter-state and regional connectivity.

Impact

Vibrant, carbon-neutral, and economically, socially, and ecologically sustainable state of Manipur achieved.

Outcome

Transport efficiency, urban mobility and sustainability in Imphal improved

Outputs

Imphal Ring Road developed and maintained

Implementation of Manipur Electric Vehicle Policy supported

Capacity for planning, sustainability, gender equality and social inclusion strengthened

Geographical Location

Imphal

Safeguard Categories

Environment

B

Involuntary Resettlement

A

Indigenous Peoples

B

Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects

Environmental Aspects

An initial environment examination (IEE) was prepared in accordance with ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). Anticipated environmental impacts are typical of road projects and confined to the construction period, such as acquisition of forest land, removal of trees, generation of dust, noise, exhaust, and waste from construction and worker camps, occupational health, and safety issues. No significant irreversible environmental impacts are anticipated. Mitigating measures are included in the package specific environmental management plans, which were part of the bidding documents, covering noise, air and water quality, occupational and community health and safety impacts. The WD confirmed that road construction will not start without obtaining necessary permits and clearances. The WD conducted meaningful consultations with affected persons and other key stakeholders (e.g., forestry officials) while preparing the IEE. Concerns have been considered and will continue to be addressed during implementation through the grievance redress mechanism. Semiannual monitoring reports during construction will be disclosed on the ADB website and to affected communities. Annual monitoring will continue during operation until the project completion report is prepared.

Involuntary Resettlement

The project will require an estimated 94 hectares of land, of which 46 hectares are private land to be acquired following the provisions of India's Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013; Manipur's Direct Purchase Guidelines, 2016; and ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). Land acquisition and clearing the existing right-of-way from encroachment will potentially affect 669 titled and 171 non-titled households. About 95 households (191 persons) will require relocation from shelter and 467 households (2,764 persons) will lose greater than 10% of productive assets (i.e., land). The WD prepared one resettlement plan in line with national, state, and ADB requirements, including those pertaining to meaningful consultation and information disclosure, compensation at replacement cost, livelihood restoration, grievance redress, and semiannual internal and external monitoring. Focal persons in the PIU, social experts of the construction supervision consultant, a resettlement plan implementation support agency, and an external expert will implement and monitor involuntary resettlement safeguards. The state government will meet the cost of resettlement plan implementation and is experienced in implementing resettlement plans under an ongoing ADB loan.

Indigenous Peoples

The project impacts the Kabui/Rong Mei, who are considered a scheduled tribe under the Constitution of India. A 390-meter section of the proposed road passes through Tharon Village. WD and the Tharon Village Authority engaged in a process of good faith negotiation to address the community's aspirations in general and concerns specifically about the project. A similar negotiation was undertaken with Kabui/Rong Mei in Langthabal Village where 635-meter section of the ring road passes through. The negotiations concluded with two Memorandum of Understanding between the WD and the village authorities. WD prepared an indigenous peoples plan in line with national, state, and ADB requirements. The ADB participated in meaningful consultation with affected communities as part of due diligence to validate the results of good faith negotiation between WD and the affected villages.

Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation

During Project Design

Poverty, disadvantage, and vulnerability may limit the extent of participation of specific groups in project design. Poverty and social assessment will incorporate measures to identify and involve these groups in the project design. CSO engagement will be explored in the design and conduct road safety, HIV/AIDS, and human trafficking awareness campaigns, GESI activities, and environmental management and resettlement plan implementation.

During Project Implementation

Business Opportunities

Consulting Services

Public Works Department (PWD) will engage consulting firms to assist with construction supervision tasks for works contacts. Procurement of goods, works and consulting services will follow ADB Procurement Policy (2017, as amended from time to time) and Procurement Regulations for ADB Borrowers (2017, as amended from time to time).

Procurement

The project procurement risk classification is expected to be substantial upon application of risk mitigation measures, considering PWD's experience in implementing similar road projects, including an ongoing ADB project. Contracts under the proposed project will use the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) modality, for which documents are under preparation. The EPC mode with maintenance period is common in India.

Contact

Responsible ADB Officer

Rowan Marcus, Kirsty

Responsible ADB Department

Sectors Group

Responsible ADB Division

Transport Sector Office (SG-TRA)

Executing Agencies

Public Works Department State of Manipur

Timetable

Concept Clearance

23 Mar 2023

Fact Finding

19 Jan 2024 to 30 Jan 2024

MRM

20 Feb 2024

Approval

-

Last Review Mission

-

Last PDS Update

30 Nov 2023

Funding