Union Minister to inspect Imp-Jiri Road today
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 18 2013:
Following complaints over failure of Border Roads Organization (BRO) to mend the deplorable National Highway No.37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road) for the past many years, Union State Home Minister Jitendra Singh will inspect this deplorable highway tomorrow soon after his arrival in Imphal.
According to sources, Union Minister Jitendra would be flown to Nungba sub-division in Tamenglong district along with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam in a chopper soon after his arrival at Imphal Airport.
The Ministerial team would then proceed by road along NH-37 to inspect the condition of bridges built over Makru River and Barak River.
Stringent security measures have been taken up in connection with the Ministerial tour.
Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar is also likely to accompany the Union Minister.
The source mentioned that the primary objective of Union Minister Jitendra's visit is to take stock of the condition of NH-37 following complaints and allegations on BRO made by several organizations of the State for its inability to develop the deplorable roads by dilly-dallying the works with a motive to extract only money from the Centre.
Another reason for the Union Minister's visit is to verify the veracity of BRO's contention made to the Union Government for suspension of vehicular movement along NH-37 unless the bridges over Makru and Barak are properly repaired.
It may be mentioned that the Transporters' and Drivers' Council (TDC) had earlier expressed discontentment over BRO's suggestion to the Union Government to suspend vehicular movement along NH-37 due to poor condition of bridges.
Chief Minister Ibobi had even raised this controversy to Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde.
The visit of Union State Home Minister may be viewed as a task entrusted by Union Home Minister to take stock of the overall situation of NH-37, the source added.