World’s tallest railway bridge pier to come up in Manipur

World’s tallest rail bridge pier will soon come up in North-eastern state of Manipur.

Key Points

• This bridge is being constructed by Indian Railways at Noney Valley in Manipur. Bridge is having the height of 141 metres.
• It is a part of ambitious 111 Kilometre long Jiribam-Imphal railway line.
• It is being constructed with the aim of connecting the capital of Manipur with broad gauge network of India.
• Bridge will break the record of Mala – Rijeka viaduct with height of 139 meters. It is located in Montenegro, Europe.
• The bridge is likely to be completed by December 2023.
• The 111-kilometre-long project comprises of 61 percent of tunnels.

Current Distance

Distance between Jiribam and Imphal on NH-37, is presently 220 kilometres. It takes around 10 to 12 hours of travelling. Once the construction of bridge is complete, travel time will reduce to 2.5 hours.

First phase of the construction

First phase of the bridge extends for 12 kilometres. It has already been commissioned.

Second phase of construction

In the second phase, about 98 per cent of the work is complete. Its construction will be completed by February 2022.

Third phase of construction

Third phase of construction, on the section between Khongsang and Tupul, is likely to be completed by December 2023.

Fourth phase of construction

The fourth and last phase of this bridge extends from Tupul to Imphal valley.

Cost of the project

The total cost of the bridge is Rs 374 crore.

Challenges associated with construction

1. During monsoon, landslides often occur on NH-37. NH-37 is the only route to the place.
2. In between April to October, there will be immense rainfall, due to which construction will be disturbed.
3. This place also faces the problems of insurgency.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021