Who is responsible for NH-37, asks TDC
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 03 2020:
The Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC) has asserted that either NHIDCL or the authority concerned should come up with a clear reply regarding who is responsible for Imphal-Jiribam Highway (NH-37) by tomorrow.
Speaking to media persons today TDC president H Ranjit remarked that people are confused regarding who is responsible for NH-37 when a tipper driver who fell into Irang River together with a tipper on November 1 could not be traced so far and a number of transporters are presently stranded along the highway after the collapse of Irang Bridge.
Imphal-Jiribam Highway is controlled by the Ministry of Highways while PWD is in-charge of Imphal-Dimapur Highway.
The Minister concerned has been maintaining a stoic silence as PWD is not in-charge of Imphal-Jiribam Highway and at the same time, the Ministry of Highways has not yet issued a single statement even though the highway has been totally cut off since three days back, Ranjit decried.
Asking whether the Central Government or the State Government is responsible for NH-37, the TDC president further asked if a diversion road or a new bridge would be constructed.
If NHIDCL or the authority concerned does not come up with a proper reply by tomorrow regarding who is responsible for NH-37, TDC would consult CSOs and appeal to contractors to construct a diversion road and TDC would extend all possible assistance, he said.
Many leaders went for spot inspection when Imphal-Dimapur Highway was cut off but not a single Minister or MLA has bothered to go for field inspection when Imphal-Jiribam Highway is cut off.
If the authorities are not in a position to re-connect the highway, TDC is ready to construct a diversion road, Ranjit said.
Pointing out that the middle portion of Irang Bridge was already hanging low before it snapped, Ranjit asked to why the bridge was not repaired in time.
Transport Department has been issuing orders every now and then prohibiting transporters from carrying excessive loads but it could not write a single letter to the NHIDCL even though the latter did not manage the highway properly, Ranjit decried.
He said that the order issued by the Transport Department's Under Secretary on November 2 is unacceptable to the TDC.
There is a clear instruction from the Government of India that trucks with 12 wheels can carry up to 36 tonnes (inclusive of vehicle weight).
Likewise the respective permissible tonnage for trucks with 10 wheels and six wheels are 28 tonnes and 19 tonnes.
As such, restricting the tonnage of trucks plying on NH-37 to just 24 tonnes is preposterous and unacceptable, he continued.
Measurement of weights is not necessary.
What is necessary are bridges which can withstand 36 tonnes, he said.
If the TDC's demands are not addressed soon, transporters will stop transporting goods and block the highway, he added.
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