Imphal, August 8 (NNN): Transporters and drivers demanded that the three important bridges of National Highway 37 Imphal-Jiribam Road`”namely Barak, Makru and Irang bridges`”be built with RCC.
They also demanded that until the concrete construction of these bridges are completed, the existing hanging bridges should be strengthened so as to enable and ensure non-stop plying of vehicles.
This appeal was kept to the authorities concerned jointly by the All Manipur Truck Owners`™ Welfare Association and All Manipur Road Transport Drivers`™ and Motor Workers`™ Union in a press meet held today at TDC office at MG Avenue, Imphal.
President H Ranjit of the former and general secretary M Ajit of the latter briefed the media persons regarding their demand.
H Ranjit said, `It`™s been 15 days since vehicles could not ply along this road as the Barak Bridge is damaged and defunct as an over-loaded steel carrying truck of BRO tried to pass the bridge. BRO seems to be playing `delaying tactics`™ as repairing is not done yet even after so many days, while it took only three days in 2014 when TDC, PWD and BRO jointly repaired the same bridge, he said.
BRO`™s manner is condemnable and we also doubt why the repeated pleas of the transporters are not acted upon.`
He also mentioned that there were incidents of BRO substituting sands with hill soils in road construction.
He continued, `BRO`™s blame to the transporters and drivers for carrying overloaded vehicles is indeed false, and we always have been sticking to the guidelines of Central Motor Vehicles`™ Act.`
Ranjit also questioned why it took many days to repair only 25-feet length of the bridge. He drew the attention of the authorities concerned of the Central and State government to act immediately as this highway is the lifeline of the state and drivers and transporters feel safe and tension-free in this road, unlike while passing through in Imphal-Dimapur road.
The association leaders also mentioned about the urgent need to continue their service and to bring in essential items to the State, in such hard times of flood, landslides and law and order situation.