NH-39 set for realignment process
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 29 2011: To address the chronic problem of landslide and sinking of road in Mao-Maram section of NH-39, due process for realignment of the same section would be initiated soon under a long term policy, stated Works Minister K Ranjit.

Around 10 feet of NH-39 sank along this section near Maram Bazar on July 25 .

The sunken portion was inspected by a team of officials led by Works Minister K Ranjit and Principal Secretary Ram Muivah today.

Later speaking to media persons Ranjit said that 23 Kms long Mao-Maram section of NH 39 was being maintained by BRO for the last 40 years.

As the condition of the highway section never improved to the desired level during these long years, the State Government took over the responsibility of developing and maintaining the same section from BRO in accordance with a Cabinet decision adopted in January last year.

Subsequently, the State Government persuaded the relevant Ministry to sanction Rs seven crores for periodical repairing in January this year and tender for the said work was held in March.

Just after two kilometres of the Mao-Maram section were repaired, an armed group prohibited further repairing work.

In this connection, the Government made preparations for deploying security personnel at the work site.

A bus negoitiates over the sunk portion of NH-39

But the contractor appealed against the Government's plan and ultimately the plan was aborted, Ranjit stated.

Coupled with the short working season which lasts for three to four months, repeated bandhs, blockades and other disturbances have been seriously impeding the road development work.

People need to understand the reasons for halting road development work and it is also essential to extend full cooperation to the Government, Ranjit asserted.

The State Government has been lobbying with the relevant Ministry for realignment of Mao-Maram section under Phase A of Special Accelerated Road Development Programme.

A survey for a new road which would replace the existing section was conducted and its report submitted.

According to the report, it would require around Rs 100 crores and take five to ten years for realignment of the whole NH 39 .

Taking this into account, the State Government took up repairing work of the existing road.

In case the Ministry sanctions realignment of the Mao-Maram section within the current year, due processes would be initiated without delay.

He further stated that development work of the 106 Kms long Imphal-Mao highway was taken up last year after Rs 63.5 crores was sanctioned for the same purpose.

The sunken portion of NH 39 near Maram Bazar was repaired by the Works Department and normal traffic resumed in the afternoon of July 28 .

The Ministerial team also made a field assessment of the ongoing mini-Secretariat construction work at Senapati Hqs.

The Works Minister, after observing the haphazard manner of fitting doors and windows, instructed the concerned contractors to fit them anew.