Slow pace of bridge work peeves MoRTH
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 09 2018: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has expressed strong displeasure over the construction of a new bridge at Sawombung over Iril River along Imphal-Yaingangpokpi section of NH-150.According to an official from the State PWD's National Highway Division III, MoRTH has categorically asked the State Government to expedite the bridge construction work if it has the will to execute it or terminate it if the Government is not in a position to execute the project.

The Ministry sanctioned Rs 14.14 crore in 2012-13 for construction, of the bridge.

But tender for allotment of the bridge construction was done twice/thrice.

After the final tender, the same project was allotted to a firm based outside the State.

Although the sanctioned amount was Rs 14.14 crore, the work order amount was Rs 12.7 crore.

As per the contract agreement, the bridge which would have four columns, 12.9 m wide and 64 m long should be completed within two years.

Even though the stipulated two years have already lapsed, two pile caps are yet to be constructed.

Considering the prolonged ILPS mass agitation, early arrival of rainy season last year, heavy rainfall and repeated floods, the stipulated period for completion of the bridge has been extended by sometime.

The contractor has now engaged more manpower and the bridge construction work is going on.

With the contractor pledging to execute the project on a war-footing, the department would evaluate the work progress after two/three months.

If there is no progress even after two/three months, necessary actions would be initiated as there is a strong pressure from the Ministry, added the source.

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