Pathetic State of Imp-Jiri NH : TDC questions BRO's inaction
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 06 2016: Even as some sections of Imphal-Jiribam highway remain impassable for heavy vehicles near Makru bridge for the past many days, BRO has not yet bothered to repair the same section, lamented Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC) while questioning if BRO has any hidden agenda.

Speaking to mediapersons today, TDC president H Ranjit said that many loaded trucks have remained stranded on the highway since September 28 as the highway is impassable on either side of Makru bridge.

Consequent upon the BRO's failure to repair the dilapidated sections, transporters operating on Imphal-Jiribam launched a cease work strike since October 2 .

In the meantime, a joint team of TDC officials and TDC representatives inspected the dilapidated sections of the highway.

Even as the PWD Minister acknowledged the TDC's offer to repair the dilapidated sections, the Minister raised certain reservations saying that it would amount to undue interference in the works and functions of BRO.

Nevertheless, the Works Minister assured that the matter would be taken up at the level of the Chief Minister.

Conveying that they received a message from Police headquarters for a meeting about resumption of transport service along Imphal-Jiribam highway with security escorts, Ranjit maintained that they are not in a position to resume transport service at the moment.

He also questioned the motive of FCI's Imphal DGM (R) for the letter addressed to the Police headquarters which sought removal of security escorts from empty convoys of trucks moving from Imphal to Jiribam.

He went on to ask if the DGM(R') can take responsibility if a driver is kidnapped or a vehicle is hijacked.

Meanwhile the Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association has decried the State Government's lackadaisical attitude in repairing the Imphal-Jiri National Highway.

A statement issued to the press today informed that the association has already submitted a memorandum to Works Minister Kshetri Biren to repair the pathetic highway during a meeting.

The association said that many stretch of the highway resemble a river with deep trenches right in the middle of the road.

The association further alleged that the Government is more interested in collecting money as fines from people without helmet and IND registration than repairing bridges and roads which are the lifelines of the people and the State.

The drivers' body further said that the ongoing suspension of vehicular movement on the highway was compelled by the Government's failure to repair the pathetic National Highway.

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