NHIDCL seeks to restrict weight to 24 MT at Nungdolan
Transporters reject proposal
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13 2025: The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd has written to Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Jiribam and Tamenglong to enforce a 24-metric-tonne weight limit for goods vehicles crossing the 100-foot bailey bridge at Nungdolan, Tamenglong.

However, the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' & Motor Workers' Union (AMRTDMWU) has rejected the NHIDCL's proposal, deeming it unacceptable.

The Union accused the Corporation of shifting blame onto transporters while neglecting its own responsibilities.

According to the letter issued by General Manager (P) NHIDCL, PMU, Noney Sushil Kumar Rai on Monday, the bailey bridge having 24 MT capacity at Nungdolan was constructed by Bhartia Infra Projects Limited (BIPL) in 2018.The letter was also forwarded to DCs of Imphal West, Kangpokpi, Noney and Superintendents of Police of Imphal West, Kangpokpi, Noney, Tamenglong and Jiribam.

NHIDCL said that overloaded trucks more than double the carrying capacity are frequently passing through the bailey bridge and it poses a serious risk of structural failure or collision during the ongoing rainy season.

The Corporation also said that heavy rainfall increases the likelihood of scouring and soil erosion around the bridge foundation and the added stress from overloaded vehicles may compromise the structural integrity of the bridge.

Stating that around 600 loaded vehicles are using the under-construction Imphal-Jiribam road daily, NHIDCL cautioned that connectivity between Imphal and Jiribam would be disrupted if the bridge collapses.

Despite erecting caution boards on both sides of the bridge, NHIDCL noted that they are often ignored.

Speaking to some media persons, Maimom Anil, general secretary of AMRTDMWU, criticized NHIDCL's move, stating that it is unacceptable for the Corporation to shift the blame onto transporters instead of taking responsibility for its own work and overseeing the activities of sub-contractors.

Denying allegations of overweight cargo, he stated that trucks are loaded within the permissible weight limits outlined in the Central Motor Vehicles Act.

Expressing skepticism about NHIDCL's intentions, Maimom Anil asked whether the Corporation is plotting to inconvenience people by focusing on a 100-foot bridge when other major bridges like Irang, Barak, and Makru along the road have been upgraded to RCC bridges.

He appealed to the Governor and authorities concerned to look into the matter with utmost seriousness.

Anil also urged the relevant authorities to develop road and infrastructure projects along National Highways that meet the standards of a National Highway, without compromising on quality.

Criticising NHIDCL's proposal, he stated that imposing the weight limits on the Imphal-Jiribam road when the Imphal-Dimapur road (National Highway-02) is already unsafe will only exacerbate the suffering of the people.

He raised concerns about NHIDCL's alleged favouritism towards Sarjan Infracon Private Limited and accused the Corporation of failing to properly maintain the bailey bridge.

The collapse of pillars of the RCC bridge meant to replace the bailey bridge at Nungdolan is a clear indication of sub par work and poor implementation, Anil charged.

Maintaining that a double-decker bridge has a load capacity of 40 MT, he questioned the rationale behind limiting the weight capacity to 24 MT for the Nungdolan bridge.

He warned that transporters may pursue legal action if NHIDCL continues to unjustly blame them.

Anil urged the Governor and relevant authorities to probe whether NHIDCL compromised quality in the implementation of road and other infrastructure projects.

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