Manipur Forest minister inspects progress of Irang bridge reconstruction

Our Correspondent
Imphal, Nov. 9 (EMN): Manipur Forest, Environment and Climate Change minister Awangbow Newmai on Monday inspected the work progress of the reconstruction of the Irang Bailey Bridge near Taobam village in Noney district on the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), which is considered as the second lifeline of the state.

Speaking to media persons after interacting with the officials at the spot, the minister said that a team of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and 52 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army are working hard to restore the bailey bridge at the earliest. Stating that he is happy to see the collaboration work progress by the team, he said he has been given assurance that the reconstruction work will be completed by November 13 and the bridge will be opened for the public by November 14.

It may be recalled that the Bailey Bridge over Irang River, popularly known as Irang bridge, among the travelers, collapsed when a sand laden truck was passing over the bridge on November 1 morning.

He further said that Chief Minister N Biren Singh yesterday spoke to the Union Minister of Transport and appealed for the early restoration of the Irang Bailey Bridge and also demanded for construction of RCC bridge over Irang River.

Hoping that the team working on the restoration of the Irang Bridge will be able to complete the work on time, he said 70-80 percent of the raw materials have reached the site from Tengnoupal district. The installation work of the bridge will begin as soon as the final raw materials reach the site from Tengnoupal today, he added.

At present around 62-70 people of the 52 Engineer Regiment, stationed at the 57 Mountain Division Headquarters, Leimakhong, are halting at Khongsang village for the past 4-5 days for the restoration of the Irang Bailey Bridge. The engineers and labourers are working till 9-10 pm daily.

Stating that various programmes will be undertaken along the national highway including road widening, he said due to the Covid pandemic, work progress was affected although he requested the NHIDCL to fill the potholes along the National Highway and maintain the road condition.

Minister Awangbow was accompanied by district forest officer Napoleon Rongmei, Noney SP Ningshem Vashum among others.