Maintenance of (NH-53) : BRO's point of view

Lt Col Prashant Gaura *

1. During the past one month, many reports have come out in print media on state of maintenance of the road, Imphal-Jiribam (NH-53), wherein only the shortcomings have been highlighted, ignoring the material facts affecting the maintenance of the highway and the tremendous efforts put in by BRO to keep the road traffic worthy. Lest these one sided and incorrect report mislead the people, BRO would like to clarify the entire issue and bring forth the factual position for general information of the public.

2. The Imphal-Khongsang section has reasonably good riding quality. The Khongsang-Barak section (Km 105-145) is also fit for vehicular traffic, some bad and rough patches notwithstanding. The widening of the road to NHDL specification is in progress in the stretches Km 145-186 and km 192-195. The stretches from Km, 186 to 192 (Makru realignment portion) and Km 143 to 146 (Barak portion) need realignment because these fall in submergence zone of the proposed Tipaimukh Hydro Electric project. Therefore, works on these sections can be taken up only after a decision from the MoSRT & H.

3. Of the 23 weak bridges on Barak-Jiribam section of NH-53, four bridges have been constructed and three bridges are under construction. Five old Hamilton Bridges exist in the stretch for which traffic is being diverted through river bed and arrangements have been made for the same. Seven bridges are on Makru section (Km 186.475-192.000) in submergence zone of the upcoming Tipalmukh Hydroelectric dam project, necessitating realignment of the road and hence, no work approved.

However, six bridges on this stretch have been strengthened to class 24R and deking of Baily Suspension Bridge is being changed. Construction of these bridges can be taken up only after finalisation of realignment of the road, which would depend on final decision on Tipaimukh Hydroelectric project. DPRs for replacement of five Hamilton Bridges as mentioned above with RCC bridges have already been forwarded to MoSR&H for their approval.

Also, DPR for construction of permanent bridge over the Irang river (km 99) is also with MoSRTH. Further, Makru and Sarak Bridges will be long span special bridges, to be sited at high contours. The design and construction of these high cost and special bridges would require specialist Contractors, to be selected through global tendering and will take considerable time.

Altogether ten Baily Bridges have been strengthened (including six mentioned above) to class 24R and decking of Barak Bridge is also being changed to increase the load classification to class 24 R. Incidentally as per the recent letter of transport Commissioner of Govt of Assam, the maximum gross vehicle load can only be 16.2, which can ply on these roads. Since this is not happening it is giving an impression that the bridges are weak.

4. BRO has forwarded a number of DPRs for Construction/improvement of the road to NHDL specification and construction of bridges including strengthening of pavement which are pending with MORTH for their approval. Once these DPRs get approved, the road will be brought to respectful standard. Time and again, BRO has been requesting the MoSR&H officials to accord early approval.

5. The present condition of NH-53 should be seen in the light of ground realities under which BRO is maintaining it. During this year, the area has received early and unprecedented rainfall causing landslides at numerous places and massive landslides at Km 54.00 (Tupul) and Km 90. People of Manipur can easily recall that occurrence of landslides on such a large scale had never happened on NH-53 in the past. The digging at hill face for quarry operation by local population has created a number of new slide points along the road.

The problem was further compounded due to formation cutting works for railway tracks taken up at higher contours Km 65. to 72 (Noney area). The flowing debris in huge quantity has choked drains, blocked and damages several culverts and caused severe damage to pavement and other permanent protective/retaining structures. As per press reports also this debris has also caused severe damages to houses in Noney village. In spite of the above, BRO has cleared and opened the road to vehicular traffic in minimum possible time, The State PWD has also inducted some equipment for which BRO is grateful.

6. BRO has been maintaining the NH-53 in trying conditions. All Army and Civil convoys are plying under heavy security. Railways have under taken their work under security provided by the State. BRO has none of the above luxuries and its men have been performing their duties at the site unmindful of the security. BRO had to suspend maintenance of the road beyond Khongsong for about a year since Apr 2007, after certain groups issued threats, causing irreparable damage to the road. Despite all the above, we have kept the road traffic worthy. Because of these efforts we could transport the essential goods and supplies through NH-53, and not through any other road maintained by any other agency.

7. BRO requests one and all that instead of fixing the blame, let us fix the problem, and a better road will automatically emerge.