Imphal, August 05, 2010: After a gap of more than 10 years, Indian Railways have started freight service, transporting Manipur's quota of rice till Jiribam station today.

Meanwhile, president of the Transporters' and Drivers' Council (TDC) president Hijam Ranjit has greeted the news as a landmark development saying that one of the principal demands of TDC has been fulfilled.

A goods train with 22 coaches of rice arrived at Jiribam station at about 5 pm today.

The quantity ferried by the single trip of train today will be equivalent to 80 truck loads.

The TDC has lauded the efforts of the State Govt and FCI officials towards realisation of rice transport by Railways till Jiribam.

TDC president Ranjit said that some of their demands have been fulfilled on account of the unstinted support extended by the UCM, AMSU and other voluntary organisations.

Taking due note of the launching of goods train service for transportation of rice till Jiribam where trucks have been already ferrying the same commodity, Ranjit highlighted the need to upgrade the Jiribam FCI godown to capacity 15,000-20,000 metric tonnes from the present capacity of 2500 metric tonnes.

He also expressed desire for the State Government and the IOC to locate supply point of petroleum products somewhere near Jiribam.

Ranjit said that the State Government may persuade the FCI authorities to nominate transport contractors for carrying rice from Jiribam to Sangaiprou godown.

Transportation charge may be fixed in line with the existing market rate, he added.

Drawing attention of the Government to ensure safe and smooth traffic along NH 53 by repairing the highway on war footing, Ranjit said that the TDC' resolution not to take NH 39 remains unchanged.

He also appealed to all transporters not to take NH 39.

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