The monsoon prevented them from repairing the highway...
Digital Desk: Truck drivers in Mizoram started an open-ended work stoppage on Thursday to demonstrate their opposition to the deteriorating condition of the Aizawl-Silchar (Assam) highway. Various senior police officials confirmed that strike events initially began without disturbance after MTOA and MTDA called for the action. The truckers operating along NH-306 report they receive support from all members and residents living in both Assam's Kolasib district and Mizoram's Aizawl district where the highway passes through.
MTOA General Secretary Dina Tlau confirmed that truckers refuse to use the highway due to its reported dangerous conditions mainly affecting the Sairang near Aizawl to Vairengte on the Assam border stretch. Low maintenance standards produce unsafe conditions that frequently trap vehicles and reverse them leading to dangerous situations for drivers and their passengers. Tlau stated both maintenance expenses and vehicle damage costs have pushed them to keep operations off this road pending its fix.
State Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vanlalhlana has inspected the affected sections to ensure repairs will conclude by February 15. Work commenced on January 20. According to Tlau the delay was inappropriate since notifications had been sent repeatedly throughout last year to PWD and NHIDCL contractors yet they did not remedy the worsening road conditions during the dry season. The persistent road problems continue to create extra challenges for truckers beyond the monsoons according to his remarks.
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