Imphal, March 07: Even though black topping of the road in between Barak and Jiribam along National Highway 53 has begun there is little sign of improvement regarding dilapidated conditions of most bridges that dot this vital route.

During a recent tour from Imphal to jiribam sub-division of Imphal East district matter came to light that application of bitumen from Keimai till Makru villages in Tamenglong district had begun while from barak to Keimai laying of WBM is nearing completion even as road width expansion work from Keimai till Jiribam is going on in full steam.

Since the 25th unit of BRTF was assigned to repair and maintain the said highway the previously unstable road is today conducive even for travel on lighter vehicles including Tata Sumos and maruti vans.

Even though most of the bridges are still posing great danger to travellers, pressure exerted from various quarters and personal endeavours of the Governor Dr SS Sidhu who had made spot inspection some months ago are paying dividends as work to remodel 2/3 bridges located close to Jiribam into concrete ones have also been taken up.

However, many bailey bridges located in between Barak to Jiribam still require immediate attention as assistants of trucks have to relay the loose planks for the heavy vehicles to cross over.

Instructions are being clearly displayed at Barak and Makru bailey bridges prohibiting crossing of more than one truck at a time and limiting the weight to 10 tonnes.

It is worth noting that the authority concerned had assured to strengthen these bridges so as to facilitate movement of loaded trucks weighing 24 tonnes by November last.

On the brighter side villagers of Keiphundai and Tousem expressed elation due to resumption of passenger bus service once a week upto Jiribam after repairing of the nearly 55 kilometres road stretch between the two villages.

The passenger service with only one bus is informed to have resumed from this year's Republic Day.

Bus service had ceased since around the year 2000, recalled some villagers.

Conveying that the bus had been provided by the district administration president of Mandeu village authority Reitat Zeme appreciated the humane gesture of the Tamenglong district authorities.

Efforts are also on to improve conditions of the said road which is informed to have been constructed during the tenure of the then Chief Minister Yangmaso Shaiza.

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