Congress hits out at Nagaland government over Namtola-Tizit bridge collapse

DIMAPUR — The collapse of single-lane bridge connecting Tizit in Mon district to Namtola in Assam on Friday has caused immeasurable misery to the people of Mon, especially during this festive season, said Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC).

A press release issued by the spokesperson of NPCC stated that the bridge, the only lifeline of Mon district, has been left neglected for many years with the government turning a deaf ear to several appeals, while terming the collapse “very unfortunate”.

“This British Era wooden bridge also popularly called ‘Hamilton Bridge’ on the stretch of NH-702, connecting with the neighbouring state of Assam, may be the only bridge of its kind on any National Highways in all over India,” read the press release.

“Despite the fact that the MLAs from both Tizit and Sonari are part of the ruling government in both the states, it is baffling as to why such an important bridge was left neglected for so many years,” it said, claiming that various organisations have submitted representations to the government on several occasions over the years,

“Fortunately there has been no loss of lives in the mishap and this should serve as a strong reminder to the government to construct the bridge with utmost priority at the earliest,” it said, referring to the Friday incident, wherein a portion of the Tizit-Namtola bridge with wooden decks caved in while loaded truck was crossing it.

The occupants of the truck were unharmed.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma, had said on Friday that the concerned department was assessing the condition of the bridge and working to expedite its restoration.

In this connection, the DC has issued a travel advisory, suspending movement of all kinds of heavy vehicle from Namtola and Charaideo in Assam to Mon district and vice-versa till further orders are issued.

Light, medium and all kinds of passenger vehicles have also been advised to take alternative route via Namtola, Charali (Assam) – Lahdoigarh-Jaboka-Pentom Junction (Tizit/Mon) and vice-versa till the bridge is restored.

Also read: Namtola-Tizit bridge gives way again