CORE blames outdated bridges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 12 2014:
The Centre for Organisation, Research and Education (CORE) has blamed outdated bridges and non-repairing of the same bridges in time, sunk portions and heavy machinery brought in by railway authority for construction of the railway track for the pathetic condition of Imphal-Jiribam highway.
Speaking to media persons at their Babupara office this afternoon, CORE president Dr Debabrata Roy Laiphungbam said that they would first report in media what they encountered along the 222 Kms long highway during a recent tour before taking the matter to relevant authorities of the State and the Centre.
What is taking the heaviest toll on the highway are the outdated bridges and culverts.
Both Barak and Makru bridges were constructed during British period and they are now quite worn out.
On account of the prolonged absence of any plan to build modern, stronger bridges, condition of the highway and adjoining roads went from bad to worse, Debabrata said.
Another major factor for the pathetic condition of the highway are its sunk portions.
The highway section from Kotlen and beyond are being left to its existing sorry state without being repaired for a long time.
Heavy vehicles brought in by private companies for construction of railway line from Jiribam-Tupul have also started taking a heavy toll on the highway.
Although the railway track and the highway do not run parallel, many portions of the railway track run across or close to the highway which leads to further degradation of the highway.
Questioning if there is any provision in the multi crore project of the Northern Frontier Railway for repairing or maintenance of the highway, Debabrata expressed keen desire that the State Government constitute an expert committee and look into how the Northern Frontier Railway has been 'over-using' the highway.
Observing that many of the trucks travelling on the highway have been carrying loads heavier than the permissible limit, he said that this is another factor which cannot be discounted as far as the pathetic condition of the highway is concerned.
Debabrata said that they would submit a memorandum shortly to the relevant Union Ministries highlighting all these points and necessary remedial measures thereof.