IMPHAL, October 28: The Public Works Department (PWD) is executing improvement work of Thumbuthong bridge, which is one of the main alternatives of Sanjenthong, on a war footing with the target of completing it before the Manipur Sangai festival.
Speaking to IFP, additional chief engineer-II Kh Temba Singh and superintending engineer (NH circle) N Noren Singh, revealed that the recently completed Thumbuthong was constructed under the funding of Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 8.5 crores.
However, due to fund shortage the widening of the approach roads to the bridge (double lane) from both ends and the retaining wall, a component of the bridge could not be completed in time, the officials lamented.
They also revealed that despite the fact that only Rs. 7.23 crore have been sanctioned so far, the department is confident it will be able to complete the road improvement work well before the Sangai festival.