Work with responsibility : Govindas to NHIDCL
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 09 2022: Even though the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is in charge of most of the National Highways passing through Manipur, they cannot get away if the works executed by them smack of irresponsibility, asserted Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam.

He made this statement after inspecting Chakumai Bridge of NH-2 in Senapati district.

Notably, three loaded trucks fell off the bridge built over Likhru River and killed four persons during the last 20 days or so.

Govindas said that NHIDCL is in charge of almost 85 per cent of the total length of National Highways passing through Manipur.

Asserting that these National Highways belong to the people of Manipur, the Works Minister told the NHIDCL officials present there that they cannot do the highway maintenance work with an attitude of irresponsibility and ad-hocism.

Work with responsibility : Govindas to NHIDCL

If the NHIDCL officials do not pay heed, the State Government would write to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), said the Works Minister.

Chakumai Bridge is located at a sharp turning of the highway and one side of the bridge is very steep.

NHIDCL has started installing signage, speed breaker, breast wall and rails and they have been saying that these works would be completed within 15 days.

"As such I would visit the bridge again within the next 15 days", Govindas said.

It has been learnt that NHIDCL has already sent a proposal to the Central Government to construct a new bridge in such a way that there is no sharp turning and steepness of the adjoining road is reduced.

They also wrote a letter to the Senapati DC yesterday for necessary land acquisition, Govindas said.

The State Government would extend all possible assistance to expedite the new project, added the Works Minister who was accompanied by PWD engineers concerned.

A cement laden truck skidded off Chakumai Bridge and fell into Likhru River on June 7.Both the driver and his assistant sustained critical injuries and they are currently undergoing treatment at RIMS.

Another cement laden truck fell off the same bridge on May 15 killing both the driver and the handyman.

On May 12, a truck carrying wheat met with an accident at the same place where both the driver and his helper lost their lives.

NHIDCL Project Director Bulbulchandra Das who too came to the bridge said that they have started installing necessary safety measures and the same work would be completed within 15 days.

He said that it has been only around 20 days since NHIDCL took charge of Mao-Tadubi section of the highway.

Nonetheless, the Project Director added that there would be no question of delaying necessary works.