Aizawl, February 17: Lalduhoma on Tuesday inaugurated the Lengtekai Bridge over the Tlawng River, officially named the Faith Bridge, marking a major milestone in Mizoram’s infrastructure development.
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| Faith Bridge over the Tlawng River inaugurated by CM Lalduhoma, boosting connectivity in Mamit district. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
Constructed under funding from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at a cost of ₹43.83 crore, the 100-metre-long bridge is 7.5 metres wide with 1.5-metre footpaths on both sides. It is designed to carry loads up to 385 metric tons, significantly enhancing transport safety and capacity in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister recalled the challenges faced during the bridge launching phase in December 2024, when a pulley failure caused major delays. After renewed technical preparations, the structure was successfully launched in April 2025, with finishing works and approach roads completed by September 2025.
He noted that the new structure replaces older Bailey bridges that had limited load capacity and were prone to repeated damage. The new bridge eliminates load restrictions and the need for vehicle unloading, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow.
Highlighting its strategic significance, Lalduhoma said the bridge serves as a vital corridor for Mamit district, home to around 85,000 people across nearly 90 villages (Census 2011). The route strengthens connectivity with Tripura and Bangladesh, facilitates transport of Langkaih river sand resources, provides access to Lengpui Airport, and links institutions such as National Institute of Technology Mizoram.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of accelerating infrastructure growth, noting that Mizoram’s road density - currently about 46.37 km per 100 sq km - remains below the national average.
The bridge was constructed by Poddar Infra Tech, with design consultancy from Force Structural Engineering Pvt. Ltd. and proof consultancy by Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Safety oversight was provided by Engineering Project Consultants.
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Strict quality control measures were maintained, including on-site material testing. Steel components were fabricated in Rourkela and transported for assembly, while specialized carbon steel tension rods for the hanger system were sourced from Thailand. Comprehensive load testing confirmed the bridge’s safety for all vehicle classes.
Expressing gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the central government, Lalduhoma described the Faith Bridge as a symbol of reliability and a step forward in strengthening Mizoram’s core infrastructure.
