CHURACHANDPUR: A Bailey bridge connecting Manipur and Mizoram collapsed late Thursday, disrupting traffic in the area. The bridge, located between Sinzawl and Khuanggin under Thanlon Police Station in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, is a vital lifeline for transporting essential commodities, especially after the main highway connecting Imphal has been cut off due to the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
The Bailey bridge, built over the Tuivai River on National Highway 102B (Guite Road), reportedly collapsed around 10:30 PM on Thursday. This occurred when two fully loaded cement trucks belonging to M/s A. K. Shivhare Infra Pvt. Ltd attempted to cross the already fragile bridge simultaneously, in clear violation of established safety advisories.
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Many goods-laden trucks stranded at Sinzawl village, the last settlement on the Manipur side of the border, were redirected via the Tipaimukh road.
In response, the Guite Road Chiefs’ Association (GRCA) condemned the reckless and irresponsible actions of M/s A. K. Shivhare Infra Pvt. Ltd., which led to the collapse of the Tuivai Bridge at Khuanggin-Sinzawl (Chainage 120.850 km). They stated that the company’s actions constituted gross negligence that has severely impacted the community’s access to vital supplies.
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The GRCA noted that they had repeatedly warned authorities and stakeholders about the unsafe condition of the bridge, emphasizing that heavy vehicles should cross one at a time and that the load limit is set at 20 MT.
“The Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur issued a formal advisory on June 20, 2023, enforcing these restrictions. The violation by M/s A. K. Shivhare Infra Pvt. Ltd. is therefore deliberate and inexcusable,” the GRCA stated, adding that this incident has disrupted a crucial supply route at a time when alternate options remain critically constrained.rained, this incident has effectively disrupted the movement of essential goods and people, exacerbating public hardship, and so the M/s A. K. Shivhare Infra Pvt. Ltd. must accept responsibility for this incident and immediately.
It demanded that the company restore a temporary crossing for commuters within 24 hours, arrange an alternative mechanism for the movement of heavy vehicles within 72 hours, while warning that failure to comply would compel the GRCA to initiate appropriate action in the larger public interest.
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The GRCA further called upon NHIDCL and the contractor, M/s A. K. Shivhare Infra Pvt. Ltd., to urgently expedite completion of the new bridge, where only the substructure presently stands completed, while urging the public to remain calm and extend full cooperation during the restoration process.