Imphal, August 07: Even as the Union Defence Minister painted a grim picture over the possibility of finding alternative routes for Manipur, the Imphal East DC has issued an order laying down certain norms for the vehicles to pass through NH-53.The order which was issued today took note of the heavy rain during the past three days, which has had an adverse impact on the conditions of the road between Barak bridge and Jiribam.

Due to the slush the road has become very slippery, said the order and noted that since NH-53 is a single lane highway, it would be very difficult for recovery van, in case of distress call, to reach the spot.

The soil on either side of the road is not even fit for carrying loads upto ten tonnes, said the DC and added that keeping the condition in mind, it would be extremely hazardous for two vehicles to cross each other on this stretch of the highway, that is between Barak bridge and Jiribam.

To ensure smooth plying of vehicles, the DC laid down certain norms to be followed by truckers and other vehicles.

The order said that only one vehicle shall pass at a time through the stretch between Jiribam and Barak bridge and added that all Imphal bound vehicles shall leave Jiribam before 8 am.

Only vehicles of ten tonnes, including the weight of the vehicle, will be allowed to ply on this sector as done in the past, said the DC and added that the total number of Imphal bound loaded vehicles passing through this sector is strictly restricted to 70 numbers and that of Jiribam bound empty trucks at 150 vehicles.

The number of vehicles stated does not include the vehicles of security escort.

Whenever drivers park their vehicles it should be away from the pucca portion of the road, said the order and added that priorities will be given to trucks carrying life saving drugs, petroleum products, food grains, foods, fertilisers etc.