Barak Bridge set for RCC avatar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 21 2015: After all the troubles, controversies and blame games it bred, the Barak Bridge is finally set for a new incarnation in the shape of an RCC bridge.

According to information received from the State PWD, the new RCC bridge would be constructed by the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

However, NHIDCL is yet to provide details of the bridge and its construction such as the length, breadth, exact time for starting the construction and the estimated time required for completion of the construction work.

Nonetheless, a detail project report of the bridge has been already prepared by Rail India Technical Evaluation Services (RITES) which is an undertaking of the Government of India.

In accordance to the DPR, NHIDCL would submit the estimated cost of the bridge to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The State Government's role is restricted to providing land required for construction of the bridge.

NHIDCL has already asked the State Government to start land acquisition process.

Notably, Barak is one of the key bridges on the Imphal-Jiribam highway.

The idea of constructing an RCC bridge in place of the existing Barak Bridge was mooted when SM Pallam Raju was the Union Minister of State (Defence).

But the idea was dropped due to some technical problems and difference of opinion between BRO and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

At the same time, the Chief Minister of Manipur was asking the Government of India to construct an RCC bridge in place of the existing Barak Bridge.

Subsequently, the State Government's Additional Chief Secretary (Works) wrote to MoRTH Secretary V Chibber a few days back urging for construction of an RCC bridge which would replace the existing Barak bridge at the earliest, added the source.

Barak bridge tends to break down now and then.

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