Imphal, July 26: Capping off a stupendous effort by the 25 BRTF ably assisted by the State PWD with security cover provided round the clock, the dismantled Irang bridge was finally opened to traffic today morning and as late 7.30 pm today, over 90 goods laden trucks have crossed the bridge.

The 25 BRTF was entrusted with the mission of restoring the damaged bridge during a meeting convened by the Chief Minister on July 21, said PIB Defence Wing in a statement today.

Direction was also issued to PWD and Security Force authorities to assist 25 BRTF in the restoration work.

The 25 BRTF then started mobilisation of resources in terms of bailey bridge equipment parts and man power for construction of bridge.

The parts for the bailey bridge were loaded on eight trucks at Imphal to be transported to the site of the bridge, said the statement.

At the Jiribam side the parts were loaded on 13 trucks and sent for the restoration work.

Unloading the spare parts was finalised only on July 23, added the statement.

On the problems faced during the restoration work, PIB, quoting BRTF said that the main hurdle was to shift the store and manpower from the Imphal side to Barak side for which 53 Engineering Regiment mobilized their manpower and machinery (Captive ferry boat) and stores were accordingly shifted.

Giving the day to the day account, BRTF said that on 23 Jul, MA Raza, Commander 25 BRTF alongwith Col (Wks) (P) Sewak personally rushed to the Bridge site for monitoring the works of restoration of the bridge.

On 24 Jul Brig S Narasimhan, Chief Enginer (P) Sewak himself arrived at the bridge site to supervise the work personally.

The 140 feet triple single bridge on River Irang was finally constructed and launched today at 10 am and traffic started plying at 10.50 am.

Security escorts also crossed the bridge to transport the goods laden trucks upto Imphal said the statement.