Barak Bridge is in good condition, says BRTF even as MTOWA contradicts claim

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IMPHAL, May 3: Amidst growing apprehension over the deteriorating condition of Barak Bridge along National Highway 37 due to prolonged non-repair coupled with daily passage of loaded trucks and other heavy vehicles used for construction of Jiribam-Imphal railway line, the 83 RCC under Border Road Task Force (BRTF) entrusted with the responsibility of looking after the bridge has reiterated that the bridge is in good condition but appealed to not cross the bridge by loaded trucks weighing more than MT 25.

The BRTF made the assertion in the wake of the unfavourable claim made by Manipur Truck Owners`™ Welfare Association (MTOWA) through the media on April 29 wherein it alleged that the Barak Bridge built over the Barak River along NH 37 (Imphal-Jiribam road), the second life line of the state is in deplorable condition and that heavy loaded vehicles should not cross it.

The claim was made based on the remarks given by a senior engineer of Public Works Department (PWD) on the dilapidating condition of the bridge.

Taking into account of the unwarranted development over the condition of the bridge, Truck Owners`™ Welfare Organization (HITOWO), Kwakeithel, Imphal West paid an inspection visit to the bridge yesterday to ascertain the claim of MTOWA.

The inspection visit was led by Laishram Ratan Khuman, secretary of HITOWO and publicity secretary Konthoujam Brojen Meetei.

Luckily, Junior Engineer of 83 RCC BRTF, Sankar was found inspecting the bridge at the time when members of the organization reached the site.

Talking to this IFP correspondent on the sidelines of the visit, the Junior Engineer referring to the claim made by the senior engineer of PWD and MTOWA, admitted that a team comprising of PWD engineers came to inspect the bridge few days back but they do not stop and inspect the bridge instead they headed towards Jiribam.

He elaborated that parts of the suspension bridge which is 360 foot in length and 12 foot in breadth are not found in open markets.

Asserting that the bridge was constructed as per the opinions of experts to ensure its durability and longevity, he said that the parts of the bridge are specially manufactured based on its length and breath.

To say that the clamp of the bridge had been defected and that it will be dangerous for loaded trucks to cross over it is unfortunate as the claim was made without thorough inspection of the bridge, he said.

Since the Barak Bridge is a suspension one, the total weight the bridge could bear including weight of vehicle is MT 25. Moreover, not more than a loaded vehicle is allowed to cross the bridge that also in 5 km per hour, the Junior Engineer maintained.

Stating that the bridge will last for many years if the rules are followed accordingly, he said that the bridge will deteriorate if loaded trucks weighing more than MT 40 are allowed to cross it daily.

Laishram Ratan Khuman said that pressure should be exerted on BRTF to convert the Barak suspension bridge into an RCC bridge so as to avoid any eventuality in future.

If the BRTF is not in a position to do the needful then the concerned Ministry should be urged to hand over the responsibility of converting the bridge into an RCC to PWD as it is the need of the hour, he said.

He pledged that HITOWO will provide all possible help that will be required in converting the Barak suspension bridge into an RCC bridge.

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