The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) has started taking up short-term measures such as implementation of signage, railing, speed breakers and rumble strips among others to prevent accidents at the Likhru Korii Bridge located between Makhan and Chakumai in Senapati district.
The move came after three major accidents occurred at the Likhru Korii Bridge recently.
It may be mentioned that the Imphal Free Press took serious note of the frequent accidents and raised concern following the recent Likhru Korii Bridge tragedy in its video story published on June 7. WATCH: Likhru Korii Bridge Tragedy: Another Truck Falls amid Lack of Safety Measures
A state government team led by Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam and NHIDCL officials inspected the bridge on Thursday.
Speaking to the media, Govindas said 85 per cent of the contract work for the national highways in the state is undertaken by NHIDCL, and "it has been witnessed that the company is not maintaining the quality".
If the NHIDCL continues to do the work in name only, the state government will write to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the minister said.
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As the road joining the bridge has a sharp turn with high elevation, the NHIDCL has requested the Central government for the construction of a new bridge, he said, adding that the state government will also expedite the matter to the Centre.
“The NHIDCL has assured to complete the precautionary measures taken up at the bridge within 15 days. So, the state government will visit the spot again after 15 days to make sure that the work is completed in time,” he added.
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NHIDCL project director refuted the allegation of negligence raised against the company and said that correction works for two-three sinking zones in Mao-Tadubi road started 20 days ago. All the 13 sinking zones will be corrected within one-two months, he added.
