Neglected road dots MU Gate to Lilong
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 09 2015 :
Drivers have one set of responsibility on the roads - they are to make sure they don't drive recklessly and cause accidents.
However, bad road surfaces leave drivers impaired and there is little that they can do on the poor state of the roads.
The road stretching from Manipur University main gate to Lilong is one such example.
Infested with potholes the lack of road a median has only added to the travails of anyone behind the wheel.
These potholes are responsible for most of the accidents taking place in the area lately.
The Government has acquired large tract of lands from Manipur University main gate to Lilong bridge for road expansion, Priyokumar Singh from Langthabal Kunja told The Sangai Express.
The State Government proposed to expand the Indo-Myanmar road (NH 2) to exactly 100 foot from the road median on each side.
Though the land acquisition process for the purpose was completed some 10 years back, road expansion work is yet to see the light of day.
Leave aside the black topping of the new expansion, the highway is yet to see a median.
Major sections of the highway are in poor condition, having developed a significant furrow on its surface, Priyokumar stated.
The poor condition of the road has significantly added to the number of road accidents in the State.
About four to five minor accidents take place along the MU main gate to Lilong bridge section of the highway everyday most of which involve riders on two wheeler vehicles, Priyokumar informed.
Another factor adding to the deplorable condition of the road in the said section is the proposed construction of drainage.
The earth that was scooped up for the construction have been left piled high along the waysides adding to the woes of the commuters.
The Indo-Myanmar road is one of the most important roads in the State with large volumes of vehicles plying everyday.
Other than the University, there are a number of schools along the said section contributing to the number of commuters.
During rush hours from 9 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 4 pm, crossing the said road is a tough proposition, he added.
The deplorable condition of the road and the frequent accidents that happening in this section of the highway is not foreign to the higher authorities.
However, no steps have yet been taken to fix the road.
"This is a route taken by most MPs and other dignitaries who visit the State.
Even the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and Education Minister M Okendro and other MLAs, although they have quarters at Imphal, travel across this section of the road everytime they return home.
They are well aware of the condition," Priyokumar asserted.
The area has also been affected by water scarcity for about a month and a half as the main water pipeline has been temporarily removed for MU to Singjamei for road repairing works.
The only progressive work seen in the area is the ongoing construction of Heijigang bridge, Priyokumar stated.
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