TDC questions logic of weight bridge
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 25 2019: Questioning the motive behind the alleged enthusiasm shown by the Transport Commissioner and Joint Director concerning the weight bridge which was recently inaugurated along Imphal-Jiribam road, Transport and Drivers' Council (TDC) has warned that if the issue concerning the said weight bridge and the spat between the drivers' associations escalates into something worse, both the Transport Commissioner and the Joint Director have to bear the responsibility.

Speaking to media persons at TDC office at MG Avenue today, its president H Ranjit said that the association is well aware of the alleged attempt by SP Jiribam, Transport Commissioner and Joint Director to force the drivers to access the weight bridge and claimed that there is a hidden agenda as the drivers are forced to go to the weight bridge which has been constructed by a private party for business.

TDC will not take part in any so-called meeting to reach an understanding regarding the issue, he added.

He continued that TDC will not specially blame the Transport Department for the issue but the association will only blame the Transport Commissioner and the Joint Director.

Ranjit also expressed desire for the Chief Minister to give a stern warning to the said two officials at the earliest.

Clarifying about the recent spat in media, Ranjit asked what the Highway Truck Owners Welfare Organisation (HITOWO) has done for the welfare of the drivers and transporters of the State till date and also alleged that the said association is nowhere to be seen in any function organised for the interest of the drivers.

He continued that TDC has repaired the National Highways as well as the bridges many times between 2010 and 2013 and the contribution of TDC is known to everyone.

Ranjit narrated that TDC laid the foundation for the Imphal-Jiribam road and also repaired Makru bridge after it collapsed in 2012 and when BRO failed to do the needful.

TDC did not charge anything from anyone during those works, he claimed.

Warning against any attempt to collect money from the drivers by using the weight bridge as an excuse, Ranjit appealed to the drivers to operate freely without any apprehension.

TDC will provide all necessary support to the drivers.

There is no need for a weight bridge.

TDC strongly condemns turning police gates into a money minting machine, he added.

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