Bridge installation work begins
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, November 09 2020: Although installation of Irang Bridge began today, the truck (tipper) which fell into Irang River as the Irang Bridge snapped in the middle could not be retrieved despite all the efforts.

Considering the key importance of Imphal-Jiribam highway which has been cut off since the Irang Bridge snapped in the middle, NHIDCL and army engineers started installation of a new bailey bridge using components brought by army from Tengnoupal.

The abutment damaged in the repeated attempts to pull up the tipper which had fallen into the river has also been repaired.

Meanwhile, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Awangbow Newmai today inspected the work progress of the reconstruction of Irang Bailey Bridge near Taobam village, Noney district on the Imphal-Jiribam Highway (NH-37).Speaking to media persons after interacting with the officials at the spot, Awangbow Newmai said a team of NHIDCL and 52 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army are working hard to restore the bailey bridge at the earliest.

He said he has been given assurance by the NHIDCL officials that the reconstruction work will be completed by November 13 and the bridge will be opened to public by November 14 .

Newmai further said that Chief Minister N Biren Singh yesterday spoke to the Union Minister of Transport and appealed for early restoration of Irang Bailey Bridge and also demanded construction of RCC bridge over the Irang River.

He said he is informed that although sanction has been given for construction of RCC bridge, there is a delay due to non-availability of bidders during the tender process.

He said that Chief Minister has also instructed the NHIDCL to complete the reconstruction work at the earliest.

Hoping that the team working on the restoration of the Irang Bridge will be able to complete the work on time, he said already 70-80 percent of the raw materials have reached the site from Tengnoupal district.

It is worth mentioning that around 62-70 people of the 52 Engineer Regiment, stationed at the 57 Mountain Division headquarters, Leimakhong, are halting at Khongsang village for the past 4-5 days for restoration of the Irang Bailey Bridge.

Awangbow Newmai was accompanied by Napoleon Rongmei, District Forest Officer (DFO), Noney and Ningshem Vashum, SP, Noney, among others.

On the other hand, PWD (NH Division) has sent a proposal to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to construct the 50-metres long portion of Imphal-Dimapur highway which sank at Khongnem Thana as a permanent structure.

As per the DPR sent by the PWD (NH Division), the sunken portion would be constructed using geotech materials and its surface would be elevated layer by layer upto the existing highway level.

After the 50 metres long portion sank on October 23, a temporary road measuring 100 metres in length was constructed and the highway was re-connected on October 27 .

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