Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 31 2008:
The bumpy ride along the main lifeline of the State is likely to a chapter of history as the Border Road Task Force (BRTF) has been entrusted with the task of development and maintenance of the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway-39 .
According to a source in the Union Ministry of Road, Highways and Shipping reluctance of the BRTF authorities to take shoulder responsibility for maintenance of the vital route for varied reasons had subsided owing to the Ministry's intervention.
Consequently on instruction of the Central Govt, the BRTF Chief Engineer would arrive at the State capital on January 3 next to work out a defini te programme with State authorities.
A formal interaction between officials of the Union Ministry and State Govt is said to have resulted in the BRTF agreeing to take up the work.
Taking note of the fact that maintenance and condition of the important road-link is far from being satisfactory the Ministry is informed to have earmarked requisite fund for the purpose.
On the otherhand, the Ministry source also revealed of State-based contractors taking up development/repairing works of the highway sans prior consent, inclusion or relevant sanction of work order from the Ministry.
Significantly, the Ministry is still willing to provide necessary funds in case the State authorities chalk-out and implement NH-39 works in time.