Bridge over Barak river in dire condition
Source: Chronicle News Service

Noney, May 04 2025: The Barak Bridge, constructed between Katang and Dikiuram villages over the Barak River and inaugurated on September 1, 2014 by the then works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh, has fallen into a dilapidated state.

For the past six years, heavy vehicles have been prohibited from using the bridge due to safety concerns.

Funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), the bridge serves as a crucial link be tween the Tamei and Tousem Sub-Divisional Headquarters in Tamenglong district, Manipur, and provides a vital route to Nagaland.

Despite its significance, the bridge has not received necessary maintenance, leading to increasing risks for commuters.

Speaking to this correspondent, Maninglubou Newmai, a village authority member of Konphung village, highlighted the fe peated appeals made by local residents to the government, urging immediate repair of the structure.

He pointed out the importance of the bridge as a lifeline connecting remote villages to the outside world, warning that its current condition could result in serious accidents.

The structure has suffered extensive damage, with deteriorating wooden planks and loose nuts and bolts instilling fear in daily commuters.

Maninglubou urged the authorities concerned to urgently address the issue to prevent any potential tragedies.

Maninglubou further noted that the state Public Works Department has initiated road improvement works on the 16-kilometre stretch between Tamei Headquarters and Konphung.

He urged the executing agency to expedite the project while adhering strictly to quality standards and the approved budget.

Notably, the Barak Bridge measures 420 feet in length and 14 feet in width, underscoring the scale and importance of the structure in regional connectivity.

Comment