Aizawl, February 22, 2025 – Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma inaugurated a newly constructed Bailey bridge over the Tuivai River on Saturday, restoring a vital connection between Mizoram and its neighboring state, Manipur. Spanning 250 meters along National Highway-2 (previously NH-54), the bridge links Aizawl district in Mizoram with Pherzawl district in Manipur, marking the end of a 28-year gap since the last bridge collapsed.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “After nearly three decades since the previous bridge was lost, this government of the people has reestablished this essential link between Mizoram and Manipur.” He named the structure the “Unity Bridge,” symbolizing its role in fostering connectivity and harmony between the two states.
The bridge is located on the Selling-Tipaimukh road, a route once maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Historically, this road served as a critical artery connecting Manipur until devastating floods washed away the original Bailey bridge in 1990. A subsequent replacement met the same fate in 1997. Efforts to rebuild in 1999 by Mizoram’s Public Works Department (PWD) stalled when the road was designated a national highway by the central government, shifting its oversight.
The Chief Minister recounted the challenges faced over the years, noting that the Selling-Tipaimukh road was a bustling corridor before its disruption, even supporting interstate bus services. The newly completed bridge, he emphasized, is a testament to the state’s determination to overcome natural and logistical hurdles.
Mizoram and Manipur share two key border crossings connected by highways: the Sinzawl (or Guite) road, linking Saitual district in Mizoram with Churachandpur district in Manipur, and the Selling-Tipaimukh road, where the Unity Bridge now stands. The restoration of this crossing is expected to boost accessibility and strengthen ties between the regions.
The inauguration ceremony saw participation from prominent figures, including state officials and local leaders, who gathered to celebrate this milestone in infrastructure development. The Unity Bridge not only promises practical benefits like improved transportation but also carries a deeper message of solidarity for the people of Mizoram and Manipur.
