Highway traffic disrupted in Manipur due to landslide, collapse of bridge

Imphal, Jul 17: Traffic on the two main national highways of Manipur were affected due to landslide and break down of bridge. The Imphal Mao highway was affected by landslide and movement of heavy vehicles were restricted. Meanwhile, a Barak bridge in Imphal Jiribam highway sector collapsed today. A panel of the bridge collapsed when a truck bringing chicken feed was crossing the bridge. About 200 trucks carrying goods coming towards Imphal were stranded on the highway. Using an old bridge some light vehicles were coming towards Imphal. Due to flood, frequent landslide and break down of bridges normal supply of essential supplies to Manipur have been affected. The government has requested the Centre to upgrade the Imphal Mao sector to four lane and it may start within a year. The Imphal Jiribam highway is not road worthy and most of the bridges were constructed during WW II by the Britishers. The BRO which is responsible for looking after the highway was recently dropped and responsibility given to the NHIDCL a government of India undertaking by the Union government. UNI