Transporters slam BRO, again
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 26 2012: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) entrusted to develop the Imphal-Jiribam section of National highway-37 (53) continues to draw flak from transport operators with Transporters and Drivers' Council (TDC) insisting that the Government should initiate appropriate action against BRO authorities.

Terming the ongoing highway development works as a 'total failure', TDC president h Ranjit dismissed as ' not feasible' the assurances that the said work would be completed within December 2013 .

Ranjit told newspersons at the Council's MG avenue office today that for the past 15 days loaded trucks coming from Jiribam side are faced with the treacherous task of crossing past many diversion routes in between Golarthon and Leingangpokpi.

As truckers have to take the alternative routes due to construction of bridges in these locations, some loaded vehicles are constantly facing technical breakdown thereby causing immense hardships to the transport operators, he explained.

charging BRO authorities of undermining importance of the route, Ranjit contended that inspite of the woeful condition of the road along the diversion routes there is no sign of making the stretch suitable for passage of loaded trucks currently stranded on the Jiribam side.

The stranded vehicles with security escorts are supposed to cross the said area tomorrow but there is strong apprehension whether the diversion roads can bear the load pressure of nearly 600 loaded trucks, said the Council president.

Further informing that even empty trucks and passenger carriers are finding it difficult to get across Makru area due to poor condition of the road, Ranjit criticised alleged lethargic approach of BRO authorities to redress the situation.

Naming an SE (civil) as the BRO in-charge of the road development works, Ranjit remarked that as long as the individual is in charge of the task, the Highway stretch will never be completed.

Due to lack of progress in the said work not only are the transporters forced to spent extra amount on repairing damaged vehicles security escorts too are facing severe inconveniences in ensuring safe passage of the vehicles, explained Ranjit who also suggested that the government act in the interest of the Manipur public rather than allow the BRO work at their own convenience.

Asserting that time has come for the Government of Manipur to realise importance of the imphal-Jiribam route instead of swinging into action only when the Imphal-Dimapur section comes under bandh/blockades, he strongly advocated appropriate action against BRO authorities for the work agency's lackadaisical attitude.

Asking the State authorities to accord seriousness on the BRO excuses that shortage of construction materials and vehicles are some of the factors for lack of road development progress, Ranjit also cautioned that continuous Government negligence might compel transport operators to cease service till the route is developed in a suitable manner.

He also regretted that the Highway Monitoring Committee set up at the directive of the Gauhati High Court has failed to justify its existence if the ongoing pace of work is any indication, The Committee with Director (Transport) as the convenor was set up based on a PIL filed by a drivers' organisation in 2011, highlighted Ranjit, who also did not rule out possibility of the Council reporting alleged inefficiency of the Committee to the Court.

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