Snail's pace marks work at Makru, Barak bridges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 17 2019:
Even though it has been reported often that the condition of the Imphal-Jiribam route has considerably improved compared to the past with the arrival of the N Biren led BJP coalition State Government, the construction work at Makru and Barak bridges, two of the most important bridges located along the said route, is moving at a snail's pace.
Even though the 222 kilometres long Imphal-Jiribam route has improved substantially, the deplorable condition of the suspension/bailey bridges along the said road has led to mandatory reduction of the weight of the vehicles (many carrying essential goods and items) plying along the said road in the interest of safety.
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On the other hand, the inconveniences of the transporters and the vehicles travelling along the road is further compounded by the frequent snapping/breakage of such bridges.
When Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation for many projects in the State on December 11, 2016, the construction of Barak and Makru bridges was also included as well and it was announced that construction of the said bridges would be completed within just a one and a half years time.
Even though it is reported that construction of Makru bridge is currently handled by NHIDCL, when The Sangai Express paid a visit to the site, this reporter failed to find any worker at the site and could only witness workers working at either sides of the bridge.
On the other hand, most of the plates of another iron bridge situated nearby were also found missing or loose thus creating immense inconveniences to the vehicles which had to wait for a long time to cross the bridge.
Many have also reported that most of the smaller RCC bridges located along the road, which is often regarded as the 2nd lifeline of the State, have lost most of the concrete covering and their inner metal parts are showing up.
When it comes to Barak bridge, construction works could be witnessed at the scene.
But the surrounding areas of the said bridge remain the same as the past many year, with bad roads full of mud and sludges.