After Makru, TDC sets eyes on Barak bridge
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 23 2014 :
After successfully repairing Makru bridge, TDC has started necessary preparations for repairing Barak bridge along Imphal-Jiribam highway.
Speaking to media persons at their MG Avenue office today, TDC president H Ranjit said that Makru bridge was repaired in just three days from January 18 to 20 with TDC paying for all the necessary wooden planks whereas BRO produced steel frames.
After the repairing work was completed in the night of January 20, around 655 loaded trucks crossed the bridge with security escorts the next morning.
Before the bridge was repaired, only 35 to 40 loaded trucks could cross the bridge in an hour but after the bridge has been repaired, 70 to 80 loaded trucks cross the bridge in one hour, Ranjit said.
To cross the bridge, the rear most escorted truck needed three days to cross the bridge but now all the escorted trucks can cross the bridge in a single day.
Urging both the Government of India as well as the State Government to replace the existing suspension bridges of Irang, Makru and Barak with RCC bridges, Ranjit said that many of the wooden planks laid over Barak bridge have broken down posing risks of certain degree to transporters.
TDC has started preparations to repair the bridge before its worn out condition further aggravates.
However, one cannot imagine the condition of the highway section from Irang to Sibilong once rainy season sets in, Ranjit said.
He urged the State Government to issue due instructions to BRO to repair the highway sections passing through Irang, Rengpang, Khongsang, Nungba, Kambiron and Sibilong during this working season.
TDC, on its part, would do what it can, Ranjit assured while seeking immediate attention of the State Government to ensure that both electricity as well as mobile phone networks are available at Makru area.
He also conveyed gratitude to the Chief Minister, the Works Minister and the CAF&PD Minister for their contribution and assistance towards repairing Makru bridge, and opening a regional office of FCI at Imphal.