Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC) urges State Govt to repair highway
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 29 2012:
Highlighting the woes and difficulties being endured by transporters as well as security forces on escort duty, the Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC), which has lost their faith in the BRO, has urged the State Government to repair the worst affected portions of Imphal-Jiribam highway (NH-37) in the next four/five days.
Speaking to media persons at their MG Avenue office today, TDC president H Ranjit said a team of TDC representatives including himself called on Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar and talked about the existing condition of NH-37 as well as the BRO's manner of working on the highway.
During the meeting which was also attended by top officers of Works Department, the TDC made it clear they no longer had any faith in BRO as the BRO was unable to execute even 50 per cent of repairing work on the worst affected sections of the 77 Kms long section between Sibilong and Golardhon.
Because of the deplorable condition of the highway, loaded trucks suffered many damages on the highway.
In addition, transporters and security personnel on escort duty have been facing untold misery.
Highlighting all the woes, the Works Minister was urged to repair the depressed portions where trucks often get stuck on urgent basis, conveyed Ranjit.
If the Government is willing to provide materials, fuel and labour for repairing the highway, TDC would not charge any money for transportation of materials.
The Works Minister reportedly assured to do something about the highway after consultation with the Chief Minister.
Union Defence of State Pallam Raju's statement that the highway could not repaired due to movement of 500/600 trucks on the highway on daily basis was based on false report.
Trucks got stuck on the highway because to the BRO failed to do any repairing.
As per an order of the police headquarters, a convoy of trucks left Imphal for Jiribam along with security escorts on September 18.The loaded trucks left Jiribam for Imphal on September 23.There was no movement of trucks on the highway on daily basis.
Moreover, no trucks can move to and from Jiribam without due order of the police headquarters.
Because of the highly degraded condition of the highway, 2nd IRB Assistant Commandant who led the escort party is still stranded at Sibilong.
No BRO staff could be seen at the spot where the trucks got stuck and they never repaired the depressed portions.
It was TDC which repaired the road and enabled the stranded trucks move ahead, Ranjit added.