TDC petition to Centre alleges BRTF slackness
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 08 2011:
Expressing concern over delay in the development/repairing of the National Highway 52 stretch from Imphal to Jiribam despite the commitment given by the BRTF, Transporters and Drivers' Council (TDC) has urged the Union Home Minister for giving necessary instruction to the officers concerned for starting the work as soon as possible.
Submitting a representation in this connection, the apex transport organisation in the State pointed out that the people of Manipur have already resolved that the National Highway 53 is a convenient and people friendly life line for transportation of passengers and essential commodities for the State of Manipur.
As evident from the pages of past history, the National Highway 39 has become totally unsafe and very expensive due to disturbances created by hostile elements.
Because of these reasons, now all essential commodities are being transported along National Highway 53, the transport body pointed out.
Since the National Highway 53 passes through only the territory of Manipur and directly touches the territorial area of the State of Assam, which is quite friendly and free from various modes of hostility, highway looting, etc, the Council, on many occasions, had approached the Government of Manipur and the Centre for ensuring free flow of vehicular traffic on National Highway 53 by improving the road condition.
Although the Union Government, through its competent authorities and agencies, particularly the BRTF had given open commitment to repairing of National Highway 53 for ensuring smooth flow of passenger and goods transportation, no authorities or agencies have ever taken up any feasible steps till date.
No personnel or machineries of any agency or BRTF could be seen on the National Highway and this inaction has caused serious concern and anxiety to the people of Manipur, as the working season for repairing and improving the said national highway is fast running out.
Hardly, 3/4 months is left, as the rainy season normaly starts from June every year in this part of the region, the representation signed by Council general secretary Ng Haridas Singh added.