Churachandpur, May 1: A Bailey bridge on National Highway-102B (Guite Road) near Sinzawl village under Thanlon Police Station in Manipur’s Churachandpur district collapsed late Thursday night, disrupting a key road link between Manipur and Mizoram.
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| The Bailey bridge on NH-102B near Sinzawl in Manipur’s Churachandpur district after it collapsed late Thursday night, disrupting a key road link between Manipur and Mizoram. |
The bridge, located over the Tuivai River between Khuanggin and Sinzawl villages, reportedly collapsed at around 10:00 PM on April 30 after two trucks attempted to cross it simultaneously. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident.
The collapsed bridge served as a crucial lifeline for residents of the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar communities in southern Manipur, particularly those in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts, as it connects the region to Mizoram through NH-102B.
Since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, many hill districts have remained largely cut off from the Imphal Valley, making the Manipur–Mizoram route a vital corridor for transportation of essential commodities and travel.
With the collapse of the Sinzawl Bailey bridge, the Tuivai “Unity Bridge” on National Highway-2 (Tipaimukh Road) now remains the only functional road link connecting Manipur and Mizoram for the affected areas. The 200-foot bridge, inaugurated by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on February 22, 2025, connects Sairang in Mizoram with Tipaimukh in Manipur.
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However, authorities have imposed strict load restrictions on the Unity Bridge, prohibiting heavy trucks from crossing it due to safety concerns. With the Bailey bridge now down, movement of goods and passenger vehicles is expected to face serious disruptions, potentially affecting the supply of essential items to the region.
Local residents and travellers have expressed concern over the disruption, as the collapsed bridge had been a major route for trade, transport, and connectivity between the two states.
