TDC blames BRO for fund misappropriation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 16 2014: On account of misappropriation of a huge amount of money sanctioned by the Government of India for development of Imphal-Jiribam highway by BRO, the highway remains as deplorable as before, alleged the Trans-porters and Drivers Council (TDC) .

The BRO has been taking the people of Manipur for a ride by not paying any heed to the State Government's suggestions and appeals from the civil society organisations.

Speaking to some media persons today, TDC president H Ranjit observed that construction works of Barak and Makru bridges remain incomplete even through the BRO pledged to complete the bridge constructions works by March/April this year.

There is no sign of repairing the highway near Makru bridge which is in the worst shape.

With the BRO defending themselves with the alibi of delay in releasing requisite fund by the Government of India, the highway development work has achieved little progress.

Barak suspension bridge which forms a key link of Imp-Jiri road

On the contrary, the Government of India has already sanctioned huge amounts for development of the highway but the BRO swindled large portions of the fund which drew strong criticisms from all quarters.

Even the Union Defence Minister was compelled to take first hand account of the highway and he inspected the highway twice.

The Chief Minister of Manipur is also well aware of how the BRO has been working on the highway, Ranjit said.

Saying that BRO has not been listening to any of the suggestions made by the State Government and civil society organisations, TDC urged the Union Government to relieve BRO off the responsibility of maintaining and developing Imphal-Jiribam highway.

In case the worst sections of the highway are not repaired by March 2015, TDC would volunteer to repair the highway on its own and make it motorable even if it cannot black top the particular sections, Ranjit said.

Appealing to all political parties and civil society organisations not to politicise Imphal-Jiribam highway, Ranjit urged the Government to look into the worn out condition of Barak bridge.

Even as the TDC has a plan to replace worn out wooden planks of Barak bridge, it fears that replacing the wooden planks would slow down BRO's work of making a diversion for Barak suspension bridge.

Nonetheless, if replacement of the worn out wooden planks is necessary, TDC would take up the task.

Meanwhile, TDC has talked with the Union Transport Minister on resumption of rice transport along Imphal-Jiribam highway, Ranjit informed.