Truckers Assn accuses BRO of failing to maintain bridge
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, August 26 2015: All Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association (AMTOWA) has accused the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) of neglecting Imphal �Jiri road and causing inconveniences to the truckers plying along the highway.

It may be mentioned that a 20-feet section of the Barak Bailey bridge built over the Barak river got damaged recently restricting passage of loaded vehicles.

The bridge was inaugurated last year September only.

A press meet was held in this regard at AMTOWA office at Hotel Yaisana, MG Avenue on Tuesday.

Speaking to media persons, association president H Ranjit said, "This is the third time that this bridge got problems since its inauguration.

BRO completed and inaugurated the bridge in September 2014 as a temporary alternative path while the original Barak bridge is being prepared, but it is indeed shocking how this bridge encountered so many problems in such a short time" .

"The nature of work done by the BRO, which is under the Ministry of Transport, is unsatisfactory and doubtful.

CBI and Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) should interfere and investigate BRO on its poor performance here in Manipur" .

Also drawing the attention of state functionaries, the AMTOWA president appealed to the Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi and Works Minister Dr Kh Ratan to pay serious attention to the development of this road.

Since the new bridge could not really bear the traffic and the loads in this highway, state government should repair the old bridge and make it functional, he demanded.

On this road, weight limit is imposed on vehicles as per the Indian Government Gazette of 1971, but no restrictions are imposed on other highways in the rest of the country, he added.

Ranjit also suggested reduction in the toll taxes on oil tankers as they are carrying only 9 tonnes of oil which are now being taxed for ten tonnes.

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