Irang Bridge
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 20 2020:
Contrary to the general expectation that Irang Bridge would be restored very soon, now no one can say with any degree of certainty when the bridge would be restored or re-constructed.
Notably, a truck (tipper) carrying sand from Dimapur through Imphal was crossing Irang Bridge in the morning of November 1 when the bridge snapped in the middle plunging the truck along with its driver into the river.
The driver was later found dead.
A bailey bridge located along Imphal-Moreh highway which had fallen into disuse was dismantled by the army and its components were brought to Irang.
Even as the components were installed over Irang River, they collapsed when the installation work was about to be completed.
Since then, Irang Bridge which was built in 2005 has been literally left to its own fate.
As of now, no one has any clear idea about when the bridge would be re-constructed and when the highway would be re-connected.
When The Sangai Express enquired about the Irang Bridge to an official of NHIDCL, the official refused to say anything concrete.
Meanwhile, information received from PWD (NH Division) said that bailey bridge components which were brought from Imphal-Moreh highway and installed over Irang River but collapsed midway have been pulled up.
As some components are still wanting, due communications were made to obtain the required components from the army.
Authorities have been working to construct a bridge which can withstand at least 40 tonnes of load which is inclusive of vehicle weight, said the PWD source.
On the other hand, NHIDCL has ordered a new bailey bridge from Kolkata-based Garden Reach, added the source.