Kohima, June 15 (MExN): Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, on June 15, informed that the restoration work on the minor bridge on National Highway-2 in the Jakhama area has been completed.
The restoration was necessitated after the bridge, located between Viswema and Jakhama, sustained significant damage during the torrential rains caused by Cyclone Remal on May 28, raising serious safety concerns, the DC Kohima stated in a press release.
In response, restrictions for all types of vehicles were imposed starting from May 29 and restoration work began on the same day, it highlighted.
Following partial restoration, restrictions were relaxed for light motor vehicles (LMVs) on June 3, it added.
In the release, DC Kohima further informed that by June 14, critical repairs, including the concreting of the scoured foundation, reinforcement of the RRM wall of the abutment, and extension of the Bailey Crips from the middle of the structure to the bottom of the stream, were completed.
With the restoration work finalised and a technical report confirming the bridge's operability, all vehicular traffic restrictions will be lifted from June 16, he said.
However, as a precautionary measure, heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be permitted to cross the bridge one at a time with a speed limit of 20 kmph until June 20, he added.
It must be noted here that the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) on May 19 issued a 15-day ultimatum to the NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited) and others demanding immediate action to resolve multiple issues related to the ongoing construction and resurfacing work on the NH-2 Kohima-Mao road.
Among other issues, it highlighted that the bridge between Viswema and Jakhama on NH-2 is in a ‘critical’ condition and on the ‘verge of collapsing,’ posing a serious threat to human life, security, and vehicular movement.
The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench has also taken up a Public Interest Litigation (Sou Motu) over the slow pace of work on the stretch and other connected issues.
