Highway tonnage limits withdrawn
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 28 2019:
Tonnage limits enforced on trucks plying on Imphal-Mao highway have been withdrawn.
Acting on a PIL filed by one RK Joysana, the High Court of Manipur issued a directive to the Transport Department to temporarily fix 25 tonnes as the maximum tonnage for all types of vehicles plying on Imphal-Mao highway in view of the highway's dilapidated condition.
As directed by the High Court, Transport Department issued an order to the same effect.
The PIL filed by RK Joysana was closed by the High Court on November 14, 2018.With the closure of the PIL, the tonnage limit enforced on vehicles plying on Imphal-Mao highway should have gone away automatically.
However, Transport Department has not taken up any step to inform the public that the particular PIL had been closed, sources conveyed.
In connection with the PIL, Transport Department submitted an additional affidavit before the High Court.
The additional affidavit clearly stated that all authorities concerned had been making necessary arrangements so that trucks and other goods carriers travelling inside Manipur carry loads in compliance with the gross vehicle weights fixed by the Central Government under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988.The additional affidavit also mentioned a letter written by the PWD Superintending Engineer Y Joykumar to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' Regional Officer (Civil) which categorically stated that there was no need for enforcing any tonnage limits on vehicles plying on NH 2 (Imphal-Mao section) as interim restoration was already underway along the same section.
It further mentioned a similar letter written by PWD Chief Engineer Khuraijam Temba to the Transport Commissioner.
With the closure of the PIL, trucks and other goods carriers can now carry loads depending on their respective capacities even though Transport Department is yet to inform the public about withdrawal of the tonnage limits, the sources added.