The Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC) has urged the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to order an inquiry into the execution of the National Highway-37 project by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), alleging substandard construction and prolonged delays.
In a memorandum submitted to the Ministry’s Secretary, the council said the Imphal-Jiribam highway remains in a deplorable condition despite years of construction and substantial public expenditure. It alleged that poor road quality has led to frequent vehicle breakdowns, accidents, travel delays and heavy financial losses for transporters, particularly during the monsoon season.
The TDC further alleged that inadequate supervision and poor execution of the project have triggered landslides at several locations, leaving vehicles stranded and exposing commuters to security risks. It also claimed that NHIDCL subcontracted major portions of the work without adequate oversight, resulting in poor workmanship and lack of accountability.
Seeking a time-bound inquiry by an independent high-level committee, the council demanded technical and financial audits of the project and urged the Ministry to fix responsibility on officials or contractors found guilty of negligence or misuse of public funds. It also sought public disclosure of the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR), fund utilisation and physical progress.
Describing NH-37 as Manipur’s second lifeline, the TDC urged the Ministry to direct NHIDCL to immediately repair the worst-affected stretches while ensuring strict quality monitoring. The council warned that it would launch democratic protests if its demands were not addressed.
