HM informed NH 53 remains neglected
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 08 2011:
Inspite of several commitments given by the Central and State Authorities, NH 53 still remains largely unaccessible with no concrete and definitive construction or repair work taken up by any authority.
Consequently the Transporters' and Drivers' Council (TDC) has drawn the attention of the Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram to the persistent neglect of the highway.
The BRTF was one force entrusted to upgrade NH 53 but no BRTF personnel or BRTF machinery can be seen on the highway, the TDC has informed in a memorandum submitted to the Union Home Minister expressing dismay over the lack of commitment from the Centre and state governments.
The TDC also reminded the Home Minister in its memorandum that the people of Manipur had resolved that NH 53 is a safe and convenient life line for transportation of passengers and essential commodities for the state of Manipur.
That NH 39 is no longer a safe highway has been evident by past incidents.
Travelling on this highway has become too expensive due to disturbances created by hostile elements, the TDC noted in its memorandum reiterating the immediate requirement of improving NH 53 so that all essential commodities of the state can be safely transported.
The memorandum also pointed out that NH 53 passes all along through Manipur before reaching Assam, a state which is friendly and free from frequent bandhs, hostility and highway looting.
The council had been pleading both the state and the Central governments to enable a free flow of vehicular traffic by improving the deplorable road condition of NH 53 .
However, with barely four months before the onset of the rainy season improvement of the road condition has still not been taken up.
The council pressed the Home Minister to instruct officers concerned to start necessary repair and construction work immediately.