Works Minister inspects damaged bridges in T Waichong

IMPHAL, June 29: State Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar today inspected the condition of three bridges which have been caved in due to landslides along IT road.

The Works Minister visited T Waichong, about 32 km from Kangpokpi in Senapati and its surrounding areas which have remained cut off from the rest of the state due to collapse of three bridges in the area.

During the inspection trip, Dr Ratankumar was accompanied by official of Public Works Department including engineers.

T Waichong Bridge is an old RCC bridge so it was easily knocked down during the landslides, one of the PWD engineers told reporters.

He said pillars of the bridge have been uprooted in the landslides owing to which vehicular movement over the bridge is now disrupted.

A temporary alternative route has been arranged in the area, the engineer informed, adding that the three bridges in the area are now out of use that even light vehicles cannot pass through them.

He also said installation of a 30 ft Bailey bridge is in the offing for T Waichong and its surrounding areas.

However, it is difficult to install a Bailey bridge within a short span of time, he added.

During the inspection visit, the Works Minister also instructed the engineers to take up all the necessary steps for construction of the alternative bridge in the area.

In the absence of a bridge, places like Tamei and many other villages will also have to remain cut off from other areas.