Reconsider handing over NH 52 to Assam PWD: Rijiju

Itanagar, Aug 10 (UNI) Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal Pradesh Kiren Rijiju has urged Union Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu to reconsider a decision to hand over NH 52 from Baihata Chariali to North Lakhimpur in Assam from Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to Assam PWD.

In a letter to the minister, Mr Rijiju said the people of Arunachal Pradesh and right bank of Brahmaputra river in Assam were hurt by the decision of the road transport ministry, informed sources here today.

Pointing out the pathetic condition of the highway before taking over by BRO a few years ago, the BJP MP said that people of this part of the country were having a bitter experience while travelling through the roads. However, taking charge of the road the BRO made it traffic worthy.

Describing the Centre's decision as 'against the people', Mr Rijiju said that the union ministry concerned should not succumb to undue pressure from Assam government. Moreover, several MPs from Asam irrespective of party's affiliation also sent a representation demanding immediate cancellation of the decision, he added.

Mr Baalu in a letter to Rijiju on July 26 last informed that out of the total 876 km of the highway, only 345 km length of the road from North Lakhimpur to Baihata Chariali has been entrusted to Assam PWD which was fully geared up to undertake improvement and maintenance works.

UNI