TDC decries diktat of BRO
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 05 2013 :
Decrying the ban plying loaded freight trucks weighing more than 18 tonne along Imphal Jiri Road, Transporters and Drivers' Council (TDC) has asked Border Road Organsation (BRO) to step down if they are unable to carry out the highway repairing work so that Military Engineers can step in.
Addressing a press meet at its MG Avenue office here today, TDC President H Ranjit informed that BRO Commander Colonel Binoy Bahl has requested Manipur Police to restrict plying of loaded freight trucks weighing more than 18 tonnes on March 22 .
Ranjit pointed out that 10 wheeler trucks are being allowed to take load upto 15 tonne while 12 wheeler trucks upto 20 tonne in other parts of the country.
However, BRO is allowing only 18 tonne along the national highway 37 citing the weak condition of the bridges.
This is unreasonable.
He further pointed out that BRO has been carrying out renovation work of the highway since 1981.But instead of repairing the bridges with bolts and nuts, BRO officials are using wires.
Challenging the order of the BRO, Ranjit categorically stated TDC will defy the BRO's order.
If necessary, TDC will repair all the bridges along the highway.
He also demanded BRO to step down from the repairing work and appealed to the Chief Minister and Work Minister to consider handing over the work to Military Engineers instead.
Meanwhile, security forces have stopped loaded freight trucks with 10 and 12 wheels from crossing Barak Bridge since last night.
Consequently, more than 60 freight trucks have been stranded near the bridge.
However, trucks with heavy materials for the construction of railway line are being allowed to cross the bridge.