From Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: People of Dimapur today got two new RCC girder bridges as Christmas gift.
Nagaland deputy chief minister Y. Patton, also the minister in charge of PWD (roads and bridges), inaugurated the two all important bridges – one over Chathe river at Diphupar ‘A’ and the other over Dhansiri river at Kuda village – of Dimapur district in presence of a host of ministers, advisers, government officials and public.
Four people, including a minor, were killed when the bridge over Chathe river caved in July 2017 while the British era bridge over Dhansiri river almost became unmotorable. The Chathe river bridge connects Niuland and Kuhuboto sub-division of Dimapur district with Dimapur town while the Dhansiri river bridge serves as one of the main lifelines of Dimapur town.
Funded by the Union ministry of road transport and highways, the bridge over Chathe river was constructed at a cost of over Rs 34 crore after dismantling of the old steel girder bridge and the 120 metre bridge over Dhansiri river was built at a cost of Rs over 35 crore by local construction company M/s Naagaami Infratech Privt. Ltd. The existing bridge over Dhansiri river constructed by the Britishers, though no official records are available as to when it was constructed, was kept as a heritage structure.
Unveiling the plaque of the two bridges, Patton expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for sanctioning additional fund to ensure that the bridges become functional before this Christmas. He also thanked the legislators of Dimapur district, landowners and also the contractor Rokolhou Angami for their constant help and support thereby allowing the government to inaugurate the bridges for the welfare of the people.
He also expressed his appreciation to the surrounding villages, area leaders, public, leaders and youth for rendering their full support for successful completion of the two bridges.
Patton reminded the PWD (roads and Bridges) department to take note of the government’s notification to keep signboards with the names of the contractor along all the roads and bridges that are constructed by them.
Though not officially inaugurated, Patton also announced opening of the Balijan bridge, connecting Dimapur with Karbi Anglong district of Assam, on the day.
Commissioner and secretary, works and housing department, Rovilatuo Mor gave the project report of the two bridges.
