Govt eyes rest house construction along highways
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 14 2023:
The state government is planning to construct rest house for drivers at different locations along the national highways and state highways so that drivers who are operating day and night throughout the year could take rest at least for some few hours, stated transport minister Khasim Vashum.
Minister Khasim disclosed this while addressing the gathering at the 34th Drivers' Day organised by Joint Coordinating Committee under the aegis of All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union (AMRTDM-WU) at ISBT complex, Chingmeirong, here, on Saturday.
Attending as chief guest of the observance marked by offering of floral tributes to 334 drivers who lost their lives in different unfortunate incidents, minister Khasim said that the role played by drivers of the state for the betterment of the society is immense.
It is due to drivers' courageous service amidst bandh, blockade, extreme climatic conditions and Covid pandemic that people of the state could get their essentials and live happily, ne said.
According to Khasim Vashum, the state government has constructed an ISBT at Sekmai for the benefit of drivers and the complex is ready for inauguration soon.
The complex has parking and rest house for drivers so that they could rest for at least some hours.
Construction of the approach road to the ISBT is progressing at present and drivers will be benefited at least to some extent when the complex is inaugurated.
In acknowledgement of the role played by drivers for the state, the government is planning to construct rest house at several places along national highways and state highways.
As part of welfare programmes taken up by the government for drivers, a free eye camp as part of road safety week will be organised on January 17 at MSRTC complex, wherein power glasses will be distributed to drivers free of cost, he informed and appealed to drivers to avail the benefit.
The minister then urged the drivers to have discipline and observe road rules while driving and never forget that they are being waited at their respective homes by family members.
Textiles minister Nemcha Kipgen, who also attended the observance, said that the drivers have been rendering their immense service to the people despite facing numerous sufferings.
It is due to the courageous and selfless service of the drivers that people of the state could live happily, she said and appealed to drivers to take utmost precaution while taking food.
The observance function presided over by AMRTDMWU secretary Maimom Anil Meitei was also attended by deputy secretary (transport) Dr David Elangbam, TDC vice president Kh Ibotombi and Raj Medicity CEO H Rajen as guests of honour.
The function that began with key note address by AMRTDMWU secretary Maimom Anil was also attended by families of late drivers while around 1000 drivers were presented blankets.