Manipur: Despite all the challenges faced by the region of Manipur the state is now ready for the grand opening of World’s tallest railway bridge.
The Northeastern region is very much vulnerable to natural hazards like earthquakes due to the fragility of the land after the heavy monsoons. However, by overcoming all the barriers the state will finally be able to complete the construction of the giant bridge by next year.
About the bridge:
The construction of the bridge was commenced since 2015 in Tamenglong district in western Manipur at a cost of Rs 374 crore as an essential part of the Rs 14,320 crore broad gauge railway lines that would connect the Manipur capital Imphal by December 2023.
The bridge, which is being built at a pier height of 141 metres, will surpass the existing record of 139 meter of Mala – Rijeka viaduct, Montenegro in Europe. Once completed, the project will enable passengers to cover 111 km of distance in 2-2.5 hrs.
About the project:
The project is a part of the Jiribam-Imphal railway line, which ultimately is part of a new broad gauge line being constructed to connect the northeastern state with the rest of the country.
Statements by Chief Engineer:
Sandeep Sharma, Chief Engineer of the project stated that with the completion of the project, the 111 kilometres of distance will be covered in 2 to 2.5 hours. The distance between Jiribam and Imphal (NH-37), At present, is 220 kilometres, which takes about 10 to 12 hours of travelling. Once the construction is completed, the bridge crossing Noney valley will become the highest pier bridge in the world.
As per reports Sharma mentioned that the first phase which extends for 12 kilometres has already been commissioned. In the second phase, nearly 98 per cent of the work is complete and by February 2022, it will be ready. The third phase on the section between Khongsang and Tupul will be completed by November 2022.
The Project Chief Engineer further said by December 2023, the fourth and the last phase of the bridge which extends from Tupul to Imphal valley will be completed and the 111 kilometre long project consists of 61 percent of tunnels.