International standard bus station at Moreh on the card

Imphal, June 21: Setting up of an international standard bus station at Moreh is on card with Union Ministry of Surface Transport and Highways seeking a detailed project report (DPR) of the same from the State Government. Along with it, the Union Ministry has also asked the State Transport Department to submit a DPR on Imphal-Mandalay road connectivity in connection with its ambitious Trans-Asian Highways project, a reliable source disclosed. Although the proposal of the Union Ministry is welcome, it has put the State Transport Department in a fix over procuring 50 acres of land at Moreh for setting up a bus station of international standard. The Department is looking into all possibilities including conversion of the MSRTC land at the border town as the site for setting up the bus station, the source informed. As to the DPR on Imphal-Mandalay connectivity via Moreh as part of the proposed Trans Asian Highway project, preparations are being made for conducting a survey work at the earliest possible. Permission are also being sought from all concerned for allowing the survey team to carry out their work which would include finding the number of bus stops and stations that would be required as well as study the existing condition of roads and bridges, the source said. It may be mentioned here that Myanmar Junta and the Government of India with the objective of bringing the people of the two closer had also taken up steps for starting tourist bus service between Imphal and Kalimyo. Accordingly, the Govt of India had also demanded a report from the State Tourism on the frequency and movement of the tourists from Manipur to Myanmar. Even as there is jubilation over the new development in the border town, a source, meanwhile, said that the transporters along the Imphal-Moreh stretch are worried a lot due to imposition frequent and heavy taxes on them by underground and overground organisations alike. This has also given serious impact on the border trade activities, the source added. A team of transporters from here would be leaving for Moreh tomorrow to take stock of security arrangement along the road stretch and discuss other necessary measures, source said.