IMPHAL, May 16(IFP): Even as the indefinite economic blockade imposed on the two national highways of NH-39 and NH-53 shows no signs of lifting, passenger buses and freight trucks from Assam will be reaching Imphal through the NH-150 via Guite Road as a part of the effort of the state government to open up an alternate way to ensure transportation of essential commodities reach the state.
In the meantime, the ministerial team of Works minister K. Ranjit, transport minister L. Jayentakumar, deputy chairman of State Planning Board, MLA Bijoy Koijam and MLA M. Prithiviraj along with officials of PWD and BRTF which inspected the NH-150 upto Khawkhawn Village in Champhai district in Mizoram passing through the Tipaimukh Road, Thanlon, Sinzawl and Guite Road, returned to Imphal after assessing the conditions of the road.
The IFP was also part of the tour.
The road from Tipaimukh to Thanlon is in good motorable condition but the stretch from Thanlon to Sinzawl is in extremely bad condition owing to non-utilization for many years.
The particular road stretch was previously planned by the state government for the transportation of freight trucks and other vehicles, but the government dropped this plan and decided to use the Guite Road instead of this Thanlon-Sinzawl stretch which is quite narrow and extremely bad.
Speaking to media-persons today, works minister K. Ranjit stated that the government has taken up necessary steps to ensure free movement of vehicles along the Silchar-Aizawl-Churachandpur-Imphal route.
The government would soon repair the roads including the bridges, especially the 140 feet Maukot bridge which runs over the Tuivai River, he noted.
The state government is planning either to broaden the narrow road of NH-150 on Mizoram side or maintain bypass lane every one or two kilometer of the road, he added.
Ranjit also asserted that the state government would take up the works as soon as possible even if the Mizoram government hesitated to undertake the work jointly with the Manipur government.
He also appealed to the people to cooperate with the government in implementing the works for the welfare of the state.
Commander of 765 Bn BRTF, PN Yadav stated that the BRTF has been entrusted with the work of repairing the NH-150 in April this year and it has also taken up work to make NH-150 motorable on top priority in the interests of the people of Manipur.
He also maintained that the roads which were six metres width are to be expanded and developed to 12 metres and the survey works for the said work have been completed.
One bulldozer has been kept at Sinzawl to ensure free flow of traffic on the NH-150 between Sinzawl and Tuivai, he noted.
The people inhabiting in the nearby village of NH-150 are happy to learn that the roads have been opened and their economic condition would be raised to some extent.
However, the drivers need to be cautious while driving due to the presence of many blind curves.
Meanwhile, a release of commissioner of CAF and PD, Government of Manipur stated that the IOC Ltd. has been informed to route all petroleum tankers and LPG bullets for Manipur via Silchar-Aizawl-Churachandpur-Imphal route.
It also stated that 15 trucks had left Silchar for Imphal via Aizawl and more trucks are also likely to come through the same route in the coming few days.
In order to ensure proper transportation of goods from Assam to Manipur through the NH-150 via Aizawl, the officials have been entrusted with certain responsibilities. The DSO of Churachandpur has been designated as liaison officer to coordinate movement of trucks and interstate buses, JC Ramthanga has been deputed as nodal officer of Mizoram camp, Dr. Suhel Akhtar as the nodal officer of Silchar camp.
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