BJP team led by Shivachandra inspect NH-37
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 18 2016 :
BJP Manipur Pradesh will submit a detailed report on the present state of NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) to Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways soon.
This was stated by BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesperson RK Shivachandra during an inspection tour of the highway.
Shivachandra was accompanied by BJP Manipur Pradesh executives including State Treasurer Robin Blacky.
The team inspected the conditions of Barak, Irang and Makru bridges as well.
The team also visited BRTF Unit office at Noney and met the Commanding Officer of the Unit.
RK Shivachandra enquired the CO why goods laden vehicles which are above 24 tonnes are not allowed to cross Barak bridge.
He also said that as per the Motor Vehicles Act, a bailey bridge must be able to bear 40 tonnes.
Shivachandra said that on September 4 last year, a high ranking officer of BRTF assured the State Government to replace all the wooden plates of Barak bridge by steel plates apart from fixing of wheel guards.
However, it has not been materialised till date, he said.
As such, BJP Manipur Pradesh would apprise the Centre about the matter soon, he said.
RK Shivachandra said that BJP Manipur Pradesh would include all the facts and findings collected during the inspection tour in the report to be submitted to the Centre.
He said that Barak bridge has broken down five times after Makru and Barak bridges were inaugurated last year.
RK Shivachandra said that BJP Manipur Pradesh would not remain as a silent spectator to BRO and State Government's negligence regarding NH-37 .
He said that Congress Government has failed to enhance the condition of the lifeline of the State in the past 15 years.
He expressed hope that the Centre would do the needful after receiving the detailed report from BJP Manipur Pradesh.
Robin Blacky said that the works done by BRO on NH-37 in the past many years are not satisfactory at all.
The Barak bridge is now in bad shape as wooden plates are yet to be replaced by steel plates.
A police officer said that BRO never pays attention to maintenance of the highway and bridges until and unless VIPs are scheduled to conduct an inspection tour.