Transporters seeks MoRTH to probe NHIDCL work on NH-37
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 2: Highlighting the dilapidated condition of the NH-37 and "substandard" quality of work being executed by the NHIDCL, the Transporters' and Drivers' Council (TDC) has filed a complaint with the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India.
While seeking intervention of the MoRTH to immediately repair the damaged stretches of the National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam), the TDC said the works executed so far by the NHIDCL and agencies it is engaging should be audited for irregularities.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is currently entrusted with the construction and maintenance of the NH-37, Imphal Jiribam Road.
The complaint came days after the TDC and Drivers' Union representatives met with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand in presence of NHIDCL officials. The transporters fraternity have been urging the Government and the NHIDCL to repair the NH-37 on a war footing.
The complaint, a copy of which has also been submitted to the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Ministry, said that the NHIDCL has sublet major portions of the project to multiple subcontractors without effective supervision. This fragmented execution has resulted in poor workmanship and lack of accountability, it said.
Despite several years of construction and expenditure of substantial public funds sanctioned, there is no tangible improvement in many stretches of the NH-37, said the TDC.
Several portions remain unmotorable, especially during monsoon. Vehicles suffer frequent breakdown and the riding quality is extremely poor on the road. Landslides during monsoon and unfavourable law and order situation are also problems causing vehicles to be stranded on the road, said the TDC.
The TDC strongly stressed that the absence of visible progress despite 'heavy expenditure' raises serious apprehension that NHIDCL officials, in collusion with subcontractors, may be misusing/siphoning off public money.
The project appears to be benefiting contractors rather than serving public interest, it asserted.
The NH-37 is the second lifeline of Manipur. The deteriorating condition of the road has caused immense hardship to transporters in terms of vehicle damage, increased travel time, frequent accidents, financial loss and losses due to looting of vehicles by miscreants, it added.
Seeking immediate intervention, the council urged MoRTH to launch a time-bound enquiry into the execution of the NH-37 project by a high-level independent committee, including technical and financial audit of works done so far.
It urged the MoRTH to fix responsibility and book erring officials/contractors under relevant provisions of law if misappropriation or criminal negligence is found.
Seeking the Ministry to make public the project DPR, fund release status, and physical progress to ensure transparency, the TDC urged the MoRTH to direct the NHIDCL to immediately begin repairing the worst-affected stretches on a war footing and ensure proper quality monitoring of all ongoing works.
The transporters of Manipur have been suffering for years. The council hopes the Ministry will treat this matter with utmost seriousness and initiate corrective action without delay, it said.
Failing to address the issues highlighted may compel the transporters to resort to democratic agitation, it added.
IMPHAL, Jul 2: Highlighting the dilapidated condition of the NH-37 and "substandard" quality of work being executed by the NHIDCL, the Transporters' and Drivers' Council (TDC) has filed a complaint with the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India.
While seeking intervention of the MoRTH to immediately repair the damaged stretches of the National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam), the TDC said the works executed so far by the NHIDCL and agencies it is engaging should be audited for irregularities.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is currently entrusted with the construction and maintenance of the NH-37, Imphal Jiribam Road.
The complaint came days after the TDC and Drivers' Union representatives met with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand in presence of NHIDCL officials. The transporters fraternity have been urging the Government and the NHIDCL to repair the NH-37 on a war footing.
The complaint, a copy of which has also been submitted to the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Ministry, said that the NHIDCL has sublet major portions of the project to multiple subcontractors without effective supervision. This fragmented execution has resulted in poor workmanship and lack of accountability, it said.
Despite several years of construction and expenditure of substantial public funds sanctioned, there is no tangible improvement in many stretches of the NH-37, said the TDC.
Several portions remain unmotorable, especially during monsoon. Vehicles suffer frequent breakdown and the riding quality is extremely poor on the road. Landslides during monsoon and unfavourable law and order situation are also problems causing vehicles to be stranded on the road, said the TDC.
The TDC strongly stressed that the absence of visible progress despite 'heavy expenditure' raises serious apprehension that NHIDCL officials, in collusion with subcontractors, may be misusing/siphoning off public money.
The project appears to be benefiting contractors rather than serving public interest, it asserted.
The NH-37 is the second lifeline of Manipur. The deteriorating condition of the road has caused immense hardship to transporters in terms of vehicle damage, increased travel time, frequent accidents, financial loss and losses due to looting of vehicles by miscreants, it added.
Seeking immediate intervention, the council urged MoRTH to launch a time-bound enquiry into the execution of the NH-37 project by a high-level independent committee, including technical and financial audit of works done so far.
It urged the MoRTH to fix responsibility and book erring officials/contractors under relevant provisions of law if misappropriation or criminal negligence is found.
Seeking the Ministry to make public the project DPR, fund release status, and physical progress to ensure transparency, the TDC urged the MoRTH to direct the NHIDCL to immediately begin repairing the worst-affected stretches on a war footing and ensure proper quality monitoring of all ongoing works.
The transporters of Manipur have been suffering for years. The council hopes the Ministry will treat this matter with utmost seriousness and initiate corrective action without delay, it said.
Failing to address the issues highlighted may compel the transporters to resort to democratic agitation, it added.