The strategically important Byorung Bridge, also known as Gandhi Bridge, spanning over the Siang River on the Yingkiong-Moying road in the Upper Siang district, has been successfully rehabilitated by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
The bridge, connecting vital border areas such as Tuting with the rest of the country, had been closed for maintenance since May 22. The closure was necessary to address the damage to two bearings on the Yingkiong side, which occurred just four years after its inauguration, reported The Arunachal Times.
Under the supervision of the Border Road Task Force (BRTF) 761, the repair work was diligently carried out to ensure the bridges structural integrity. Health Minister Alo Libang, who is also the local MLA, recently visited the bridge to inspect the completed rehabilitation and engage with senior BRO officials.
Expressing his appreciation for the timely completion of the bridges restoration, Libang commended the efforts of BRO, specifically Project Brahmank.
Commander A. K. Gupta of BRTF 761 in Yingkiong provided a comprehensive briefing on the repair work conducted by his team. Additionally, he urged the district administration to enforce a weight restriction of not allowing vehicles weighing above 18 tonnes to utilize the bridge.
The original design and load classification specify that the bridge is intended only for vehicles within the 18-tonne limit. BRTF 761 took over the management of the Byorung Bridge from the state Public Works Department (PWD) in 2021.
Originally funded by the Department of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) under the North Eastern Councils Special Plan Assistance (SPA) scheme, the 18-tonne cable suspension bridge was inaugurated in January 2019 by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.
The bearing problem, which necessitated the recent rehabilitation, was first detected by BRTF in 2022.
The successful completion of the Byorung Bridges rehabilitation by BRO ensures the continued connectivity and strategic significance of the region, facilitating seamless transportation for both civilians and defense personnel in the border areas.
