After more than a year, new Sanjenthong inaugurated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 18 2015: The much awaited Sanjenthong which provides a vital link between Imphal East and Imphal West districts was inaugurated today by Chief Minister O Ibobi.

Construction work of the new Sanjenthong started in June, 2014 .

It is reported that Sanjenthong has been opened to light vehicles.

Speaking at the inaugural function as chief guest, the Chief Minister claimed that people's nagging suspicion whether the bridge construction work can be completed ahead of the Sangai Festival has been finally put to rest.

After more than a year, new Sanjenthong inaugurated :: Pix - DIPR

There was an eye-opening news report a few days back about loss of around Rs 35 crore on account of non-completion of Sanjenthong bridge and taking longer routes through Thumbuthong bridge and other bridges, he said.

The State Government would appreciate more if a similar survey is conducted on the economic losses suffered by the State on account of frequent bandhs and blockades and its findings published in the media, Ibobi stated.

Construction work of Sanjenthong started with Rs eight crore allocated from the State budget and it was completed within the shortest possible time taking due note of public inconveniences.

Although some minor components are yet to be completed, the bridge is quite fit to be opened to traffic, Ibobi stated.

He then asked the authority concerned to complete all the incomplete portions as soon as possible.

The old Sanjenthong was a two-lane bridge.

Taking serious note of the transport bottlenecks caused by the bridge, it was constructed anew with four lanes.

Renovation work of Kangla Moat was also taken up on a war-footing so as to complete it before the Sangai Festival but the same work had to be suspended for 15 days because of incessant rainfall for around a week.

Had there been no such paralysing rainfall, the renovation work could have been completed by the first week of November, added the Chief Minister.

He also regretted for the inconveniences suffered by the people when the bridge was being constructed.

He also lauded the contribution of the State PWD towards completing the bridge construction work within the shortest possible time.

The State Government does not believe in working for rewards or accolades rather the Government being an elected one is always committed to work for the welfare public at all times, Ibobi asserted.

The bridge is inaugurated today after obtaining due consent of the Election Commission of India as the model code of conduct with regard to the ensuing bye-election is already in force, he continued.

The bridge is inaugurated today, not on the opening day of the Sangai Festival to avoid any misunderstanding/notion on the part of the general public that the Government is under pressure, he added.

In his presidential speech, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam remarked that inauguration of the new Sanjenthong bridge would go down the history of Manipur as a landmark event.

He wished that the new bridge may bring better connectivity and communication among the people.

Around 20/30 years back, Manipur was considered a liability to the Government of India but it has now transformed itself into an asset.

Slowly and steadily, Manipur is becoming an international tourist spot.

He also expressed keen desire for the people of Manipur to take full advantage of Government of India's Look East Policy.

Chief Secretary O Nabakishore, who was the guest of honour of the inaugural function, said that construction work of Sanjenthong started with State fund even though the DoNER Ministry did not sanction adequate fund for the bridge.

Generally, it takes around two years to construct a bridge like Sanjenthong bridge but Sanjenthong bridge was constructed within a much shorter period under strict supervision of the State Government, Nabakishore said.

PWD Additional Chief Engineer Kh Temba said that the Sanjenthong bridge is an steel-arched bridge.

It is 55.80 metres long, 22.74 metres wide and it has footpaths on either side which are 1.5 metre wide.

The bridge is fitted with stainless steel hangers on either side.

The height of the bridge from deck bottom to the arch is 9.558 metres.

There is a space of 4.65 metres between each hanger and each hanger is inclined 5.40 degree inward.

Before the bridge was inaugurated, a cow was made to cross it which was followed by a brief ritual.

Many Cabinet Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and top-ranking officials were also present at the inaugural function.