Barak bridge without clamps ; Truck owners blame BRO
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 30 2015 : Taking serious note of the report that the Barak bridge may collapse any time as some clamps which fastened the bridge have developed cracks, the Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association (MTOWA) has blamed the BRO for using sub-standard clamps and neglecting qualitative aspect while executing contract works.

Speaking to media persons at their MG Avenue office today, MTOWA president H Ranjit said that Barak Bailey Bridge was constructed anew by BRO in November last year.

If the clamps of the bridge constructed in November is on the verge of break down in April, then it can be safely concluded that there was complete lack of quality control while constructing the bridge.

MTOWA cannot help condemning the statement of PWD Additional Chief Engineer N Noren who said that the bridge which is crossed by loaded heavy trucks may collapse in the next couple of days for the same statement evokes a panicky situation.

Just around 200 loaded trucks move along Imphal-Jiribam highway through Barak Bridge for only two days in a week.

It is not because of the movement of trucks but utilization of sub-standard construction materials like clamps which is posing grave threats to transporters and public alike, Ranjit said.

Asking PWD why they did not check the quality of clamps when the bridge was being constructed by BRO, he said that PWD should lodge a complaint against BRO and check whether the bridge was constructed in accordance with the general norms followed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

CBI should be roped in to investigate the matter.

PWD should avoid the habit of barking at the wrong tree.

One would like to question if there is any hidden agenda behind BRO's sudden concern for the bridge and the loads carried by trucks as if PWD, not the BRO, is responsible for maintenance of Imphal-Jiribam highway and all the bridges that dot the highway, Ranjit said.

BRO has no intention to improve Imphal-Jiribam highway, said Ranjit while questioning the former's failure to construct bridges which can support trucks heavier than 24 tonnes.

At the same time, PWD has never asked BRO to construct bridges which can withstand loaded trucks which weigh 40/50 tonnes.

Even if some trucks are carrying loads heavier than the prescribed weight, it is the responsibility of Transport Department.

Weights of loads carried by trucks have nothing to do with either PWD or BRO.

National Highways are under control of the Government of India and they are not controlled by PWD.

No one should conspire to shut Imphal-Jiribam highway where trucks are moving freely without any security escorts.

Nonetheless, the State Government should monitor the condition of Imphal-Jiribam highway and all its bridges.

If the bridge is on the verge of collapse, it is so because sub-standard construction materials were used not because of movement of loaded trucks, Ranjit asserted.

Even if the bridge collapses, MTOWA would invite reputed companies to construct the bridge anew and the association would pay the bill, Ranjit added.

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