Imphal: Manipur’s capital Imphal is all set to connect with the country’s broad gauge network with the Indian Railways’ ambitious project in Manipur, which is part of the 111-km-long Jiribam-Imphal railway line project. To make this project a success, Indian Railways is building the world’s highest bridge pier at a height of 141 meters in Manipur, which will surpass the existing record of 139 meters held by Mala-Rijeka Viaduct, Montenegro in Europe.
Talking to news agency about the project, Chief Engineer Sandeep Sharma said, “With the completion of the project, the distance of 111 km will be covered in 2-2.5 hours. At present, Jiribam-Imphal (NH-37) The distance between is 220 km, which took about 10-12 hours of travel. After construction, the bridge crossing the Noni valley will become the world’s highest ghat bridge.”
He further said that the work on the bridge will be completed by December 2023. “The first phase which is spread over 12 km has already been commissioned. About 98 per cent work on the second phase has been completed and will be completed by February 2022. Be ready. The third phase from Khongsang to Tupul by November 2022 Will be completed. The fourth and final phase of the bridge, which spans from Tupul to Imphal Valley, will be completed by December 2023.”
The official also informed that 61 per cent of the 111-km project consists of tunnels and the total estimated cost of the bridge is Rs 374 crore.
Speaking about the hurdles faced in the construction of the bridge, Sharma said, “Landslides often occur on NH-37 during monsoon, which is the only route to this place. From April to October, it receives heavy rainfall. During that time, it is difficult to work here. There are also some problems related to insurgency, which sometimes creates problems.”