AGARTALA, September 8 (TIWN): Cabinet secretary Ajit Kumar Seth would be holding video-conference with chief secretaries of Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura on September 11 to discuss about foodgrain requirement, induction status and plans to be adopted during the NFR mega block slated to commence from October 01, official sources said.

A highly placed source in the state administration today said that the condition of National Highway 44 is very deplorable, unworthy of vehicular movement at places. The source said that despite repeated discussion with the central government over the issue, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) hasn’t initiated action to repair the road. NH 44 acts as lifeline for Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur.

“We have discussed the issue over with the central government. But the NHAI is as inactive as ever. There is no initiative by Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur or the state government as well since NHAI is the designated authority for the job”, the source said. He said that there is no initiative to develop National Highway 54 connecting Silchar and Guwahati as well.

Asked about the apprehended impact of NFR mega block on foodgrain induction, the source said that despite railway service is considered significant for the state, barely 30 percent of foodgrains are inducted through rail, around 20 percent petrochemicals, liquid fuel are inducted through rail.

Roadways, which are still the most significant commuting system for the region, are still largely under standard quality in the NE, the source said. He said that the state government is likely to flag issues relating to direct transport of foodgrains from West Bengal en route Bangladesh via Petrapole-Benapole border, road maintenance, pro active role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) on handling issues foodhgrain issues in the region during the interaction with cabinet secretary.