Construction of Irang Bridge completed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 28 2020: Construction of a new bailey bridge over Irang River in place of the old one which collapsed together with a truck (tipper) along with its driver on November 1 has been completed and it is likely to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister on December 1.As the Imphal-Jiribam highway remained cut off since the Irang Bridge collapsed, an unused bailey bridge located at Tengnoupal along Imphal-Jiribam highway was dismantled and its components were brought to Irang by the army.

These components were installed over Irang River and the installation work was almost complete when the bridge collapsed.

Although the new bridge which has been constructed at the same place over Irang River is also a bailey bridge, it can withstand loads as heavy as 40 tonnes (including weight of vehicles), sources informed.

Notably, the old Irang Bridge was not fit for vehicles weighing more than 24 tonnes (including weight of vehicles) .

Two other key bridges of Imphal-Jiribam highway are Barak and Makru bridges.

Construction of Makru Bridge is nearing completion and preparation to get it inaugurated by the Prime Minister through video conference on December 25 is underway, said the sources.

Major portions of the Barak Bridge have also been completed but the construction work is taking some time because some heavy components could not be brought to the work site following the collapse of Irang Bridge.

Once the new Makru Bridge is inaugurated, there would be no problem in bringing heavy components/parts.

As all the required components/parts have been already stockpiled, Barak Bridge can be completed soon after the Makru Bridge is inaugurated, said the sources.

With BIPL as the work agency and NHIDCL as the implementing agency, construction of Barak and Makru bridges started in 2017 and the two projects were funded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

As per the contract agreement, construction of the two bridges which is being done in EPC mode must have been completed by April last year.

But the projects were delayed due to bandhs, blockades, ban on National projects and abduction of engineers/officials from the work sites every now and then, the sources added.

Whereas the Irang Bridge is likely to be inaugurated on December 1, a tentative schedule has been worked out for inauguration of Makru Bridge on December 25 and Barak Bridge on January 15 next year.

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