Repairing of Barak Bridge Works Minister inspects, instructs BRO
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 02 2015: An official team led by Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar today inspec-ted the ongoing repairing work of Barak Bridge as well as the existing condition of the old Barak Bridge.

After inspection, Dr Ratankumar instructed BRO officials to expedite the bridge repairing work.

Meanwhile, the Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association (MTOWA) has alleged that the bridge being repaired by BRO is a defective one and such a bridge should be built only along IVRs.

They maintained that they would not use the bridge even after it is fully repaired.

A view of the dilapidated Barak bridge

Additional Chief Secretary O Nabakishore, MTOWA president H Ranjit, PWD Chief Engineer and other high ranking officials were also included in the Works Minister's entourage.

BRO officials informed Dr Ratankumar that the Barak Bridge broke down because of transporting excess loads by truck drivers.

They maintained that it would take at least another week to repair the bridge fully.

Nonetheless, the Minister instructed the BRO officials to expedite the repairing work and open the highway as soon as possible.

Responding to queries raised by media persons, Dr Ratankumar informed that the Government of India has sanctioned construction of RCC bridges in place of the existing Irang, Makru and Barak bridges.

However, it has not been decided yet whether construction of the RCC bridges would be entrusted to the National High- way Development Corporation (NHDC) or some other agency.

An official meeting would be held on September 4 to discuss the issue of Imphal-Jiribam highway and Barak Bridge.

MTOWA president H Ranjit who was a member of the inspection team dismissed the BRO's assertion that Barak Bridge broke down because of transportation of excess loads.

Even if any vehicle was overloaded, necessary actions can be taken up under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Because of faulty alignment of the steel rods which are supporting the bridge and absence of wooden beams, and safety guards on the side walls of runner, the bridge's hanger has been protruding outward.

Until all these technical defects are corrected, transporters would not cross Barak bridge even if it is fit for vehicles weighing 24 tonnes, Ranjit said.

Until and unless, guard beams are installed on either side of the bridge, transporters would not use the bridge.

Ranjit went on to question as why the transporters were blamed for transporting excess loads when the loads they were carrying did not cause any problem while crossing Makru Bridge.

BRO has no authority for seizing two vehicles on the charge of being overloaded.

The two vehicles should be released at the earliest, he demanded.

Trucks having 12 wheels can carry loads weighing up to 20 tonnes.

As such, truck owners, drivers, contractors and traders may load trucks with commodities according to the Motor Vehicles Act, Ranjit said while urging the Government to modify its gazette notification regarding the matter.