Transporters threaten stir against BRO weight bar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 16 2013: Terming the BRO intimation to Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for limiting load of goods carriers plying on Imphal-Jiribam National Highway-37 as misleading, Transporters and Drivers' Council (TDC) said transport service might cease completely in case Central as well as State Governments comply with the BRO's insistence.

The BRO, entrusted with the task of developing/repairing the important road-link, had reportedly placed an official complaint that allowing trucks exceeding 18 tonnes of goods would cause severe damage to two vital bridges on the Imphal-Jiribam route.

The road construction agency also proposed to the Ministry that concurrent movement of trucks with security escorts be limited to only once every week so that BRO personnel could work without any obstacles.

Condemning the BRO proposals said to have been sent to the Ministry by Lt Gen Parnaik, Council president H Ranjit told media persons at its MG Avenue office today that restricting movement of goods carriers would eventually lead to shortage of essential commodities.

Not ruling out possibility of transport operators (goods) suspending service in case the Government of Manipur too yields to the BRO demand, the Council president desired that the Chief Minister and the Transport Minister take a firm stand to foil alleged sinister scheme by BRO authorities to starve the people of Manipur.

Doubting BRO's capability and commitment in executing the assigned tasks, Ranjit contended that failure to repair small structure such as Makru and Barak bridges only testify incompetency of the BRO workforce.

Fixing the damaged section, if any, with 'hanging clamps' would have solved the problem but the BRO personnel hoping that tying the loose ends with cable-wire only demonstrate that the work agency has no concern for the people of Manipur.

Questioning why the Government of India is unwilling to repair the existing structures or replace them with larger bridges, he also accused State authorities of lacking commitment in ensuring that truckers continue to serve the people without any hindrances.

Accusing the Chief Secretary as well as the Principal secretary (Works) of not highlighting the matter to the Government in time so that suitable measures could be initiated to ensure vehicular traffic is not impaired along the route, Ranjit explained that apart from Central Motor Vehicle Rule permitting six-wheeled vehicles to carry 9 tonnes, 15 tonnes for 10-wheeler and 20 tonnes for 12 wheelers commensurate taxes are being paid to the Govt.Expressing that the Council would have applauded BRO authorities in case Central Government was asked to provide more funds for repairing the bridges, Ranjit said that BRO attempting to derail transport activities would not be tolerated.

Asking the State Government to immediately swing into action for strengthening the bridges and demanding that BRO be replaced by a more efficient work agency, the president also affirmed that if neither the BRO nor the Government of Manipur is willing to repair/reconstruct the bridges the Council would be more than willing to accept the task.

Highlighting that since 2010 TDC has spent about Rs 70 lakhs in procuring construction materials alone with the sole intention to maintain the vital road link in a working condition, he proposed that the BRO be asked to give up the project and Government of Manipur take the responsibility in the interest of the people.

Reminding that boycott of the Imphal-Dimapur section of NH-2 by TDC is still in force, Ranjit cautioned that truck owners would be held responsible if truck operators are exposed to risk or suffer casualty on this route.

Moreover, the particular truck owners would be asked to provide Rs 5 lakh compensation to the victim's family, he informed while adding that the said amount was paid in some earlier cases.

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