Sanjenthong set for expansion
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 07 2013 : Expansion of Sanjenthong bridge would begin very soon even as a letter has been sent to the relevant Union Ministry to upgrade Ma-yai Lambi to the status of a National Highway, stated Works and Transport Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar.

Dr Ratankumar was spea-king at the re-commissioning function of a suspension bridge at Iram Siphai Mamang Leikai within Wangoi AC, Imphal West district which was repaired anew after it got snapped sometime back.

In view of the ever increa-sing volume of traffic over Sanjenthong bridge, expansion of Sanjenthong bridge has been given top priority.

Whereas there are many roads and bridges which need to be constructed/repaired, the amount available is limited.

As such, the Government has been working to prioritise the most important projects first, Ratankumar said this morning.

Due tender process has been already initiated for expansion of Sanjenthong brid- ge under the Centre's Special Plan Assistance (SPA) .

Meanwhile, a letter has been sent to the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways to upgrade Mayai Lambi to the status of a National Highway which is currently listed as a State Highway, informed the Minister.

Works Minister Dr Ratankumar at a suspension bridge at Iram Siphai Mamang Leikai

Sating that the Mayai Lambi from Wahengbam Leikai till Kakching Lamkhai via Wabagai would be expanded, the Minister sought cooperation from people settled on either side of the road.

Mayang Imphal AC and Wangoi AC are somewhat similar topographically.

With two rivers draining the two Assembly segments, many more bridges need to be constructed.

But the means of transport and communication in hill districts demands greater attention.

Later, Minister Ratankumar inspected the site where late Chief Minister W Nipamacha laid a foundation stone for an RCC bridge on November 12, 1999 at Iram Siphai.

He said that he would consult the Chief Minister and look which head can fund the RCC bridge.

The foundation stone laid for the RCC bridge is close to the suspension bridge re-commissioned today.

Wangoi AC MLA O Lukhoi and PWD Additional Chief Engineer Pradip Kumar Mukherji were also present at this morning's function.

The suspension bridge got snapped when a large number of people were assembled on the banks of Imphal river to watch a water sport last Yaoshang festival, said MLA Lukhoi.

Saying that the suspension bridge is located in the middle of Thoubal, Wangoi, Lilong and Wabagai ACs, Lukhoi sought attention of the Works Minister to replace the suspension bridge by an RCC bridge.

The 100 metres long and 1.9 metre wide suspension bridge was constructed at the cost of Rs 15 lakh funded by the 13th Finance Commission.