The Sanjenthong story
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: May 01, 2014 -

After years of uncertainty arising mainly from lack of adequate fund, it is good to know that the State Government has finally shown its true guts in taking up the decision to construct a new four lane bridge in place of the existing old one over Imphal River at Sanjenthong.

In spite of its vital importance in connecting the people of Imphal East and West district and unknowing fully well of its deteriorating condition, the State Government has not been able to do anything either to redevelop or improve the condition of the 23.5 feet wide old bridge (excluding the two footpaths on either side which is around 5 feet) constructed in the 1960s due to lack of fund even though it is reaching the breaking point from taking any more load of ever increasing vehicular traffic.

The earlier plan for development of the bridge under Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) for which Rs. 10 crore was earmarked too had to be scrapped off as the fund was not sufficient for upgrading the bridge into a four lane one, for which at least Rs 30 crores would be required.

However, as they say, where there is a will, there is a way, the State Government has finally decided to ensure that the required fund is coughed up from any available source so as to help in construction of a new bridge in place of the old one for the conveniences of the people. This kind of commitment needs to be appreciated.

While the urgent necessity for development of the old bridge over Imphal River at Sanjenthong is acknowledged by all, the manner in which the construction work on the proposed new four lane bridge has been started after closing the vital route connecting the twin districts of the State capital to any kind of traffic until completion of the new bridge, however, would surely cause lot of dismay among the people for some obvious reasons.

Even though the target for completion of the new bridge is said to be one year, how such large projects in Manipur take years to complete is well known to everyone.

Assuming that such unwarranted delay would not take place this time; enforcing an elaborate regulation for traffic movement, route and parking of all categories of vehicles in Imphal city areas for one complete year to facilitate construction of just one bridge is ludicrous.

While, how the newly enforced traffic regulation has created chaos along the already congested roads and bridges within the second day of its enforcement is there for all to see, some of the routes suggested to the people for commuting between Imphal East and West district like via the narrow and decrepit Minuthong and newly constructed but yet to be fully completed Old Thumbuthong, etc has shown that the State Government has not done its homework properly before setting out for its task.

Instead of forcing the people (in whose interest all these elaborate arrangements for traffic regulation have been made) to take circuitous or hazardous routes to reach their destination which may be just within a stone thrown away distance from either side of Sanjenthong, the State Government could have thought of setting up some temporary diversion bridges on both sides of Sanjenthong, which have been norm for construction of any bridges in the State so far.