Guite Road just about passes the traffic test
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 16, 2010: With NH-39 and NH-53 virtually sealed due to the indefinite economic blockade being imposed by ANSAM, a Ministerial team led by Works Minister K Ranjit have inspected Guite Road, which connects Manipur to Mizoram, to see if the road can be used for bringing in essential commodities which are in acute shortage at present.

However the condition of Guite Road was found 'not quite good' whereas the road on the Mizoram side was better though it is narrower than Guite Road.

Led by Ranjit, Transport Minister L Jayantakumar, Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam, MLA Prithiviraj, PWD officials and BRO officials inspected the Guite road starting from Tipaimukh road of NH-150 since yesterday.

The condition of the road from Churachandpur to Thanlon was found satisfactory.

The Ministerial team and officials inspecting Guite Raod

But Thanlon-Sinzawl section was found to be in very bad shape.

The Ministerial team sensed various difficulties likely to be faced by heavy loaded trucks in crossing the same section of the road.

The Singnat to Churachandpur stretch of the route was found relatively goad but the condition from Singnat to Sinzawl through Tuivai was still in bad shape.

Nevertheless, it was observed that the same section will be passable for transportation of goods for the time being.

On the other hand, the Maokot Bridge built along Guite Road was in found in a rickety condition.

As such, vehicles have to navigate across the river bed.

Presently, bus service between Churachandpur and Aizawl is being operated along Guite Road.

The Ministerial team also came across trucks and passenger buses coming through Mizoram after being stranded at Jiribam.

From the side of Manipur, a number of empty trucks were seen crossing to Mizoram on their way to Guwahati.

The Ministerial team also saw an IRB post opened at Tuivai bridge by Mizoram Government following the State Government's intimation to send trucks through Mizoram.Speaking to media persons during the inspection trip, Works Minister K Ranjit said that one BRTF dozer would be stationed at Sinzawl in order to facilitate movement of vehicles currently stranded at Jiribam through Guite Road.

The Maokot Bridge (Bailey bridge) would also be re-built within 10 days.

For this, Works Department would provide necessary materials.

The State Government would also propose the Mizoram Government to make road diversion of 1-2 Kms in areas where the existing road is narrow.

He also appealed to all concerned not to put any hindrance or disturbance to vehicular movement along the road.

The inspection trip also includes president of the United Zou Organisation, GS Hangpu.

The ministerial team went up to Kolkul village in Mizoram.