Stranded trucks brought back
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 12 2010: In all 372 vehicles including goods laden trucks, stranded at Tupul along Imphal-Jiribam road (National Highway 53) since June 9 following a massive landslide were brought back safely to Imphal today.

Personnel of 86 Bn CRPF led by its CO K Ningam have not only provided around the clock security to the stranded vehicles but also helped in clearing the landslides.

To bring back the stranded trucks, Works Minister K Ranjit and Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam set out for Tupul yesterday.

On arrival at Tupul, the two VIPs inspected condition of the landslide that blocked the road over a distance of around 400 metres.

A loaded truck stuck in a landslide area along the National Highway-53 being towed across

As the State Government had earlier made its displeasure over the conduct of the BRO in maintenance of the road, two bulldozers, two JCBs and Tata tippers have been pressed from the side of the State PWD in clearing the landslide.

The two VIPs spent the night there to supervise the road clearing work.

The road was cleared finally at around half past midnight and the stranded trucks arrived at Imphal today.

In all 25 oil tankers, 3 LPG carriers, 15 Night Supers and 334 trucks carrying essential goods are among the vehicles that reached here.

Interacting with media-persons at Tupul, Minister Ranjit said that maintenance/construction of the National Highway 53, which is the second lifeline of the State, in two phases has been entrusted to the BRO since 1968.Unfortunately, there has been no improvement in the condition of the road.

So, the Chief Minister has already sought the permission of the Ministry concerned to hand back responsibility of the road by the PWD.

At the instruction of the Chief Minister, a report on the existing condition of the road is also being prepared for submission to the relevant Ministry, the Minister added.

In response to a question, the Minister informed that at present there are around 10 spots along the National Highway 53 which are vulnerable to landslides.

All these spots have been identified and road clearing works are being carried out.

Moreover, a Kolkata-based company has been roped in for a major repairing work on the Barak bridge so that can support vehicles carrying goods over 40 tonne, the Minister disclosed.

The Minister has also expressed his gratitude to CRPF, BSF, State security forces and the drivers for the support and co-operation in transportation of goods along the National Highway 53 against all odds.