In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves across Mizoram, a tragic mishap occurred on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, as a gantry collapsed during the launch of an under-construction bridge over the Kurung River. This incident, which took place near Sairang, about 25 km from the state capital Aizawl, has already claimed the lives of at least 17 workers, with fears that the death toll may rise to over 20. The railway bridge, a vital component of the Bairabi-Sairang New Railway Line project undertaken by the Indian Railways, holds great significance for the region’s connectivity and development. However, the unfortunate collapse of the gantry, designed to lift and support bridge segments, has cast a shadow of sorrow over the project. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) swiftly responded by forming a high-level committee to probe the incident and ascertain the cause of the tragic collapse. The ill-fated gantry, responsible for the catastrophe, had been meticulously designed by STUP Consultant and undergone a proof check by IIT Guwahati. Despite these precautions, the bridge construction process took a tragic turn. As rescue operations unfolded amidst the wreckage, Mizoram’s Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, expressed his profound sadness at the disaster. He conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident. Zoramthanga also took a moment to acknowledge the selflessness of local volunteers and residents who rallied together to aid in the rescue efforts. The catastrophe did not go unnoticed by the highest echelons of the nation’s leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed their grief and condolences via social media platforms. PM Modi’s office revealed that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be provided to the next of kin of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 to the injured. While the incident has been referred to by Mizoram’s Chief Minister as a “”bridge collapse,”” the Railways has clarified that the collapse was specifically due to the failure of the gantry during its launch onto the bridge. They emphasized that the portion of the bridge that had already been constructed remained intact. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature of the incident and directing the investigative efforts accurately. The Bairabi-Sairang line, part of the Northeast Frontier Railway zone, stretches for 51 km from Bairabi to Sairang. This ambitious project entails the construction of 130 bridges, 23 tunnels, and four stations, serving as a testament to the region’s commitment to enhanced connectivity and growth. The recent tragedy underscores the risks inherent in such undertakings and highlights the need for stringent safety protocols. As the investigation into the incident unfolds, questions will be raised, answers sought, and lessons learned to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future. Mizoram’s bridge incident stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of construction projects and the profound impact such tragedies have on the lives of those involved and the communities they serve.
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