Truckers, NHIDCL inspect NH-2; seek immediate repairs ahead of monsoon

Our Correspondent
SENAPATI, Jul 2: Representatives of five district truck bodies, along with officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the executing contractor, conducted a joint inspection of National Highway-2 on Thursday, highlighting the urgent need for repair and maintenance work along the highway.
The inspection covered the stretch from Mt Everest near Senapati junction to Mao Gate on the Manipur-Nagaland border.
During the inspection, the team found several sections where blocked and poorly maintained drainage systems had contributed to damage to the highway. Many drains were clogged by mudslides and landslides, rendering them non-functional and causing waterlogging, which was identified as one of the major factors behind the deterioration of the road.
The truck bodies pointed out that they had earlier urged NHIDCL to complete maintenance work before the onset of the monsoon. However, several stretches of the highway continue to remain waterlogged due to inadequate drainage maintenance.
The inspection team also observed cracks on portions of the road between Maram and Mao Gate, allegedly resulting from poor-quality repair work. In addition, certain sinking zones were identified where the company needs to repair them with retaining walls.
The joint inspection was attended by representatives of the Senapati District Truck Owners Association (SDTOA), Senapati District Truck Drivers Union (SDTDU), Surface Transport Hills Area Drivers Welfare Union, Manipur, Senapati District Drivers Welfare Union and the All Manipur Drivers and Handymen Welfare Union.
Speaking to the media during the inspection, vice-president of the Surface Transport Hills Area Drivers Welfare Union, Manipur, Adani Mao said the exercise was undertaken following repeated complaints regarding the poor maintenance of NH-2.
He stated that the truck bodies had earlier met NHIDCL officials to raise the issue, after which a joint survey of the affected highway stretches was conducted.
Warning that prolonged inaction would not be tolerated, Adani Mao said the matter would be taken up with higher authorities if the concerned agencies fail to initiate necessary repair and maintenance works at the earliest.