IMPHAL: Over 200 goods-laden trucks stranded in Silchar (Assam) and Jiribam (Manipur) have started moving towards Imphal following the operationalization of a new Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) bridge over the Irang River on National Highway 37.
This development comes after the old bridge collapsed due to heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Remal on May 29.
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The collapse of the old Irang Bridge had brought vehicular traffic on NH 37, connecting Imphal to Silchar via Jiribam, to a standstill.
However, on Saturday (June 01), the new RCC Irang bridge was opened to traffic without a formal inauguration, under the supervision of the Indian Army and state forces.
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh, announced the resumption of vehicular movement via the newly constructed RCC bridge in a post on social media.
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He emphasized the Manipur government’s response to the bridge collapse, ensuring that the crucial transport route was restored swiftly.
The Manipur CM highlighted the importance of the three major bridges along National Highway-37: Makru, Barak, and Irang.
The Makru and Barak bridges were inaugurated in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
He commended the efforts of the residents of Taobam village and officials in Noney district of Manipur for their proactive work in maintaining unobstructed vehicle movement.
Additionally, the movement of 66 vehicles carrying essential items along NH-2, connecting Imphal in Manipur to Dimapur (Nagaland), has been secured.
According to the Manipur police report, strict security measures are in place at all vulnerable locations, with security convoys provided in sensitive stretches to ensure the free and safe passage of vehicles.