Transporters' and Drivers' Council repairs sections of worn out NH-37
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 11, 2013: The Transporters' and Drivers' Council (TDC) has repaired some sections of Imphal-Jiribam highway (NH 37) which were in the most pathetic condition.

TDC repaired the worn out sections for four days starting from August 7. Altogether 105 truck loads of stones were sent from Imphal apart from excavators (JCB) for repairing the highway.

A team of media persons which went to cover the repairing work observed that vehicles could not proceed any further beyond a spot 2 Kms away from Barak towards Sibilong because the same section had deteriorated to the extreme.

The section was literally turned into rivulets as deep as four feet and filled with water.

Around 1000 vehicles coming from Imphal and Jiribam on either side of the particular section were stranded because they could not cross it.

Although BRO stated that they would repair the particular section between August 5 and 7, no sign of repairing could be seen.

A single labourer was seen working on the highway.

The section was repaired only with the arrival of stones brought by TDC.

Later BRO sent a dozer and helped in levelling the stones.

Repairing work of the highway under progress and (inset) a Gypsy half submerged in water

Some drivers who were stranded there told media persons that BRO charged them Rs 500 to Rs 800 for pulling their vehicles when they got stuck because of the extremely worn out condition of the highway.

TDC president H Ranjit said that there was no connectivity at all between Barak and Sibilong because BRO was not working diligently.

If the BRO continues with their pace of work, the highway cannot be repaired even after 20 years.

The existing condition of the highway does not look like a National Highway and it appears that there is no authority to look after it.

TDC volunteered to repair the highway section in the interest of stranded transporters, Ranjit said.

Time is over for the State Government to remain complacent because BRO and Union Ministers have been claiming that the highway is being developed.

It's time for the State Government to obtain a real picture of the highway.

Although Union Minister of State (Defence) Jitendra had stated that the highway development work would be monitored every day, there is no sign of monitoring.

For all these reasons, the Chief Minister and the Works Minister need to take a concrete decision.

Interestingly, some BRO officials were caught taking pictures of TDC repairing the highway.

The BRO officials were nabbed by security personnel and their camera memory cards were confiscated.

BRO officials took photographs of the repairing work so that they can claim to central authorities that they have been working on the highway, Ranjit said.

Since 2010, TDC has put 775 truck loads of stones on the highway and invested around Rs 50 lakhs.

Ranjit also conveyed his gratitude for the monetary assistance provided by Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar and DGP Y Joykumar towards repairing the highway section.

The highway repairing work was also attended by All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union secretary H Kuallamani, PWD (NH Division) EE Deven and TDC members.