Guwahati: The Noney Bridge, considered an engineering marvel and considered the world’s tallest railway pier bridge of 141 metres, is nearing its completion. The 111-kilometre-long Jiribam-Imphal railway line project would connect Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, with the rest of the country is in full swing.
Speaking to ABP Live on completion of the project, CPRO De said, "At this moment it is quite difficult to say when works of the Noney bridge will be fully completed due to the ongoing unrest in Manipur. Though we are trying our best to complete the project at the earliest, the prevailing law and order situation in the state is hindering the progress of the work."
According to the latest progress report, the bridge is nearing completion, and is done with 80 per cent of its work. "Once completed, the bridge will represent as a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess as the sheer magnitude of the structure will be an awe-inspiring, symbolising a commitment to overcoming geographical challenges to ensure seamless rail connectivity," Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NF Railway), Sabyasachi De said.
Not only connectivity, completion of the Noney Bridge and the Jiribam-Imphal railway line project is poised to spur economic development in Manipur and the surrounding regions. The efficient transportation of goods and passengers via rail will reduce costs, enhance trade, and encourage investment in industries and infrastructure, De added.
He added that the project is likely to create new job opportunities and contribute to the overall prosperity of the region. It will also serve as a vital artery in the larger plan to integrate the northeastern states with the rest of the country with improved connectivity and is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people interactions, fostering a sense of unity and inclusion,.