Indian Army restored the connectivity of National Highway-37 by completing the reconstruction work of Irang bridge over Irang river at Taubam village of Tamenglong district in Manipur.
The National Highway-37 connects Imphal and Jiribam and the work has given much to the relief of locals stranded due to severing off of the most important lifeline of Manipur.
The old bridge collapsed on November 1 which resulted in a sand-laden truck falling into the fast-flowing river Irang and the driver lost his life.
Upon receiving the requisition for aid from the Manipur government on November 2, specialised engineers of the Spear Corps were tasked to undertake the re-construction of the Irang bridge.
The re-construction work involved dismantling of a disused bridge at Tengnoupal, transporting the bridging stores over 152 Km to the bridge site and launching bridge over river Irang.
Re-construction work on the bridge started on November 9 and due to structural issues and old vintage the bridge could not be launched initially.
“Fresh Bailey bridge stores were provisioned by Border Roads Organisation from Tezpur and were shifted to the bridge site in two days by the Army. The fresh launching of the bridge commenced on November 23 and was completed on November 27,” said a defence statement.
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh inaugurated the bridge and opened it for the general traffic on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Manipur chief minister commended and thanked the Indian Army and NHIDCL for their efforts in the execution of the task.
The people have appreciated the skill, speed and commitment of the Indian Army jawans who took upon this challenge and delivered the same in a professional manner.
#IndianArmy reconstructs bridge over Irang River in Tamenglong district & restored connectivity between Jiribam-Imphal on NH-37. Hon'ble CM shri @NBirenSingh innaugrated the bridge & opened it for general traffic on 02 Dec 2020. @easterncomd @SpokespersonMoD @adgpi @manipurmygov pic.twitter.com/MaQGT5Q3Bh
— PRO Defence Imphal (@PRODefImphal) December 2, 2020