Drivers decry poor condition of NH-37
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 25 2021:
Demanding the government to repair the National Highway 37 (Imphal-Jiri Road), which is in a very bad shape and posing threat to the commuters, especially freight trucks; drivers operating along the highway under the aegis of All Jiribam Road Transport and Drivers' Union (AJRTDU) are all set to launch an indefinite steering off strike with effect from 6 am Monday.
According to AJRTDU general secretary L Maniton, the decision was taken after assessing the level of danger that the drivers are facing due to the poor condition of the highway during a field visit by the union members.
Earlier, the union and the driv ers operating along the highway had drawn attention of the government authorities as well as National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) towards the deteriorating condition of the highway on numerous occasions.
Fed up with the indifferent attitude of the authority, the drivers and the union served an ultimatum on September 10 for launching indefinite cease work strike if the authority fails to repair the worst affected parts of the highway by September 25, recounted Maniton.
Meanwhile, a truck driver told The People's Chronicle that they no longer feel safe in carrying out their services along the highway, which is in a dangerously bad shape at multiple stretches.
As such, they would support the steering off strike called by the union and they will continue to abstain from service until the highway is repaired.