FCI truckers opt for NH-53
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 29 2011:
Transporters engaged in shipping rice and other PDS items under Food Corporation of India (FCI) to Imphal have opted for NH 53 (Imphal-Jiribam road) permanently as their route.
A decision to this effect was adopted during a get-together function of contractors, truck owners and drivers held today at Kyamgei Heibong Makhong in Imphal East district.
Speaking to media persons, sub-contractor Kh Inaoba said that they took the decision to travel on NH 53 in view of frequent imposition of bandhs and blockades along NH 39 by some organisations at their whim and repeated harassment and assault on drivers along the route.
"Though the condition of the highway is pathetic, we sit together and decided to ferry goods continuously along NH 53 so as to ward off the problem of shortage of commodities at times of general strike or economic blockade.
Inaoba said that they would make fervent appeals to the Chief Minister of Manipur, the Works Minister and the BRO to develop NH 53 as a standard highway.
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If the Govt takes up the necessary initiative, the transporters would offer the service of transporting road construction materials at reduced charges, he added.
Except for Kaimai and Barak areas, the condition of the highway has improved considerably and now one can reach Jiribam in a single day, he claimed.
Informing that goods are being ferried under FCI contractor M/S Zimomi Traders at present.
Since the transportation of goods started in February, price of rice has come down to Rs 12 per Kg from Rs 24 per Kg, Inaoba said.
However, if there is any pressure or threat to the transporters, traders would hike the price at their own sweet will.
Another contractor is also engaged in transportation of goods along Imphal-Jiribam route.
The get-together concluded with the establishment of a new body called NH-53 Truck Owners' Association.