NH-37 still in deplorable condition
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 01 2013 : Even if the road development works of national highways are to be handed over to the Public Works Department of the state concerned by Border Road Task Force (BRTF), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is insisting the BRTF to continue its works in Manipur.

The lethargic style of working by BRTF along Imphal-Jiribam Road (NH-37) has made the condition of this national highway even more deplorable.

Only few labourers are currently deployed by BRTF to mend this 221-kilometre-long road.

The large potholes in the middle of the road have become very risky to the transporters plying along this route.

In this dry season, the highway is completely filled with dust.

Otherwise, the road would be muddy during monsoon season.

Many trucks and buses have met accidents owing to the dilapidated condition of road.

NH-37 still in deplorable condition

The worst portion of this highway lies at about three kilometers from Nungba towards Barak.

Recently, a truck got stuck in a half-completed culvert along this road.

Normal traffic along this route was disturbed and many vehicles got stranded due to this for several hours.

The road blockage was cleared only after 12 hours when a team of CRPF arrived at the spot to pull up the truck.

The stretch from Awang Khul to Rengpal, Nungba to Barak, and Maku to New Kaiphundai are filled with dust up to several feet.

The highway has become a complete nuisance to the transporters.

It may be recalled that Union Minister Jitendra Singh has made firm assurance of developing the NH-37 as an all-weather road in order to serve the people of Manipur as the second lifeline.

However, there is no visible sign of any positive development along this highway.

Meanwhile, acting on the directive of Manipur High Court on a PIL filed in connection with non-repairing of Imphal-Jirbam Road, a team comprising high ranking officials of Police Department led by DIG Manglemjao and Transport Department today inspected the condition of National Highway No.37 .