State seeks status report on NH-37
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 21 2013 : In response to a query of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways if the State PWD is prepared to take over construction and maintenance work of Imphal-Jiribam highway as and when BRO moves to Jammu and Kashmir, the State Govern-ment has sought status report of the highway from the Ministry.

This was stated by Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar after field inspection of major roads and drains of Imphal and greater Imphal areas today.

The inspection team also included MLA RK Anand, MLA E Chand and officials of Works Department.

Speaking to media persons in his office after the inspection drive, Ratankumar stated that the State Government would take a decision after receiving a status report from the Ministry about NH 37 in-cluding details of the amount sanctioned so far to the BRO.

Even if BRO moves away to Jammu and Kashmir, the National Highway Authority of India is unlikely to take over Imphal-Jiribam highway.

Nonetheless, BRO would remain in charge of the highway till March next year.

Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar during field inspection of roads and drains at Imphal and Greater Imphal areas on Sept 21

The Minister's inspection drive covered Singjamei, Elangbam Leikai, Tera, Ding-ku Road, Hatta, Checkon, Lamlong, Ayangpalli Road and Andro parking.

As maintenance of roads and drains of Imphal city entails consultation with PHED and PDA, a joint meeting was held last week with Chief Minister O Ibobi in the chair.

As agreed at the meeting, Works Department has started maintenance work of roads and drains.

Drains along Checkon road, Dingku road and Andro Parking which get clogged very often would be repaired within the current year.

The department has already launched a zero pothole programme since last year but the department is unable to pay out all the liabilities for the works executed last year.

Stating that the State's financial condition, at present, is very sick, the Minister appealed to all the people to un- derstand the department's difficulties and endure the inconveniences for sometime.

He appealed to all concerned not to resort to such protest agitation like digging up roads.

Informing that construction and maintenance of roads located within Assembly segments are done at the recommendation of local MLAs, Ratankumar suggested that people may put up proposals for repairing roads through local MLAs.

The ongoing repairing work of old Thumbuthong is targeted for completion by next year.

On being asked about the proposed Imphal-Mandalay bus service, Ratankumar who is also in charge of Transport Department confided that definite time frame has been set for introduction of Imphal-Mandalay bus service.

The road from Kalewa to Monewa in Myanmar is still in very bad shape, added the Works Minister.