Churachandpur (Manipur), 01 May (HS): Road connectivity between Manipur and Mizoram suffered a major setback after a Bailey bridge on National Highway-102B (Guite Road) gave way near Sinzawl village under Thanlon Police Station in Churachandpur district late on Thursday night.

The structure, spanning the Tuivai River between Khuanggin and Sinzawl villages, reportedly collapsed around 10 pm on April 30 when two trucks tried to cross simultaneously. Officials confirmed on Friday that no casualties occurred in the incident.

The bridge had long served as a critical route for residents belonging to the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar communities in southern Manipur, especially in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts, linking them to Mizoram via NH-102B.

Its collapse comes at a time when several hill districts remain largely isolated from the Imphal Valley following the ethnic unrest that began on May 3, 2023, making the Manipur–Mizoram corridor essential for movement of people and supplies.

With this route now cut off, the Tuivai “Unity Bridge” on National Highway-2 (Tipaimukh Road) has become the sole operational link for affected areas. The 200-foot bridge, inaugurated on February 22, 2025 by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, connects Sairang in Mizoram with Tipaimukh in Manipur.

Authorities, however, have already enforced load restrictions on the Unity Bridge, barring heavy vehicles due to safety concerns. The latest disruption is expected to hamper transportation of essential commodities and passenger movement in the region.

Residents and commuters have voiced concern over the situation, noting that the collapsed bridge had been a vital artery for trade and daily travel between the two neighbouring states.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash