Transporters suspend service to aid NH-37 repairing
Source: Chronicle News Service

Jiribam, July 22 2024: After discussing with the truck drivers and different unions, All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers' Union (AJRTDU) has resolved to cease transportation service on NH 37 (Imphal-Jiribam) till July 24 to facilitate expeditious repairing of the highway, which has become almost inaccessible amid the seasonal rainfall.

AJRTDU leaders had a meeting with the truck drivers at Sorok Atingbi Kamaranga on Monday morning and discussed the present condition of the highway.

Interacting with the media after the meeting, AJRTDU president N Sadananda said that those present agreed that trucks taking the route on daily basis are hindering road repair works.

Machineries of agencies and companies working on the highway are engaged in assisting the trucks in the muddy trail instead of focusing on the repair work, which has affected the progress.

Keeping in view of the situation, the meeting resolved to cease service for three days from Monday to facilitate early completion of the repairing works, he informed.

He also conveyed the resolution of the meeting to appeal to the construction companies/agencies to make the highway durable and complete the repairing during the three-day period.

The decision was taken keeping in view of the condition of the highway as well as the security situation for the drivers, who are forced to stop at unsafe locations due to the poor condition of the highway.

One of the drivers also told media persons that they may extend the steering off movement if the construction companies/agencies do not complete the repair work by Wednesday.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Petroleum Transporters' Association (AMPTA) has expressed strong discontentment over the current condition of the highway.

Recalling how union minister Nitin Gadkari assured to upgrade the highway even to the level of airport runway, AMPTA said that they have no other choice but to stop service as it has become dangerous to ply along the highway as trucks often get stuck in the muddy trail.

At present, around 490 trucks are left stranded due to the dilapidated condition of the highway with 100 stranded in Nungkao area alone in Tamenglong district.

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