Hand over scams to CBI: Transport Association
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, April 30 2015 :
The warning issued by the PWD to the public about the looming danger of the weak bridge over Barak river regarding heavy vehicles is an unnecessary and unrelated issue, said All Manipur Truck Owners Welfare Association (MTOWA) .
It may be mentioned that Additional Chief Engineer N Noren of PWD had on Wednesday appealed to the people of the State, especially the truckers, not to ply vehicles over the ridge with weights more than 30 tons as the condition of the bridge is precarious.
In a press meet held on Thursday at the Association's office at Hotel Yaisana, President H Ranjit condemned the appeal of the PWD as it caused panic among the public and the truckers.
He also questioned the authority of PWD in the matter as the department is, in any way, not related to the repairing and construction of roads and bridges along the NH-37 (Imphal Jiribam road).
Even if the warning is to be made, it should come from the responsible authority - BRO.
Ranjit expressed suspicion of a foul play and felt that there may be some underlying agenda between the two.
He further said that the bridge came into use from November 2014 only and the condition of the bridge deteriorating at such a short time shows that it was not constructed in accordance with the guidelines and standards approved by the Ministry of Transport and Highway.
He further added that the traffic in this highway is not heavy as truckers ply only twice a week.
In such a scenario, PWD should take the matter of the poor quality of the bridge to CBI and an investigation should be ordered, said the association President.