Collapsed BRTF road in Ukhrul repaired
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, August 10 2024: In a display of efficiency, the Ukhrul district administration and the Public Works Department (PWD) successfully restored traffic flow on the western Border Road Task Force (BRTF) road at Khaivarentang, which was rendered impassable after a ring culvert collapsed due to heavy rains recently.

Although a temporary measure, the repair came as an immediate response to the situation, alleviating concerns among the local residents and commuters alike.

On August 9, PWD Ukhrul promptly deployed heavy machinery, including a tipper truck and a JCP earth excavator, to clear the debris and replaced the broken ring culvert that was damaged by rain-triggered landslide on the intervening night of August 1 and 2.The restoration came after the Khaivaren Tang Organisation (KTO) apprised DC Kengoo about the road conditions on August 3 and urged the latter to take necessary prompt steps to repair the damaged portion of the roadway.

On behalf of the locals, KTO chairman Hs Thotleng expressed gratitude to Ukhrul DC Zuringla Kengoo and executive engineer (PWD) Garnish Kashung for their attentive and prompt response to the local community's appeal for immediate restoration of the road in the larger interest of the public.

He stated that the road is a lifeline not just for the residents but also for travellers from the outside.

"With increasing traffic congestion on the town's main road, this road now serves as an alternate route for many, including heavy vehicles and commercial goods-laden trucks", he said.

Thotleng noted that despite its importance, the roadway has long been one of the most neglected in the town, with cracks and damages increasingly visible at various points along the 3km stretch from Dungrei zero point to Jessami Junction, Viewland.

He urged both DC Kengoo and EE Kashung to maintain a vigilant focus on the condition of this critical roadway which has suffered the impacts of extreme weather events, especially during every rainy season, while stressing the need for improving the roadway to an all-weather condition to ensure its longevity and reliability.

After the ring culvert collapsed, some vehicles that attempted to navigate the road became trapped, and local residents had to help free them.

Consequently, the locals erected wooden barriers to dissuade other vehicles from attempting to cross the damaged portion.

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