Imphal, August 05: One day after Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil assured the Lok Sabha that essential commodities may be air lifted to help the people of Manipur cope with the economic blockade, the Indian Air Force is set to transport 40 tonnes of essential commodities to Imphal tomorrow morning.

On the other hand, to get a first hand account of the developmental works being taken up along NH-53 by the BRTF, Governor SS Sidhu is set to tour this route on August 8.Speaking to The Sangai Express a well placed source said that the goods to be brought in by air tomorrow include rice, sugar, lentils, fuel and life saving drugs.

The quantity of life saving drugs was tentatively put at 700 kgs.

The latest development comes in the wake of a fax message received by Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh yesterday evening, from the Union Home Ministry, to submit a priority list of goods that may be air lifted.

The goods were to be transported today, but due to some factors it was postponed to tomorrow.

The consignment is expected to reach Tulihal airport tomorrow morning at about 8, said the source.

Starting tomorrow, essential commodities will be transported by air to ensure that the State has sufficient stock of essential commodities to last a month.

Meanwhile a well placed source said that the Governor will tour NH-53 for an overall review of the law and order situation and the developmental works along this route.

The Governor will personally assess the security measures being taken up along this route in the backdrop of the dismantling of the Irang bridge some days back, added the source.

He will also study the developmental works being taken up by the BRTF to make this route pliable for goods laden trucks.

Giving details, the source said that the Governor will have his lunch at Nungba, spend the night at Jiribam and come back the next day by air to Imphal.

The State Government has also put forward its best foot to complete the work of opening NH-150.The task of opening this highway has been entrusted to the 36 BRTF.

At the moment security cover is given only along a 40 km stretch of the highway from Churachandpur.

The developmental work along this stretch is nearing completion.