AIZAWL, Feb 26: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday inaugurated the Lengtekai Bridge over the Tlawng River, a major infrastructure project funded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at a cost of ₹43.83 crore.
Officially named the Faith Bridge, the structure measures 100 metres in length and 7.5 metres in width, with 1.5-metre-wide footpaths on either side. Engineers designed the bridge to bear loads of up to 385 metric tonnes, significantly enhancing transport capacity and safety in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Lalduhoma recalled the technical challenges encountered during the initial launching phase in December 2024, when a pulley malfunction delayed progress. After renewed technical preparations, authorities relaunched the process in April 2025 and completed it successfully. Crews finished approach roads and related works in September 2025, enabling its formal inauguration.
The Chief Minister said the new bridge replaced ageing Bailey bridges that had limited load-bearing capacity and often suffered damage. The upgraded structure eliminated the need for load restrictions and unloading of heavy vehicles, ensuring smoother and safer movement of goods and passengers.
He highlighted the bridge’s strategic significance for Mamit district, home to around 85,000 people across nearly 90 villages as per Census 2011. The route strengthens connectivity with Tripura and Bangladesh, supports agricultural activities including rubber cultivation under the state’s Rubber Mission, and improves access to Lengpui Airport and the National Institute of Technology Mizoram.
Lalduhoma noted that Mizoram’s road density, currently about 46.37 km per 100 sq km, remained below the national average and emphasised the need to accelerate infrastructure expansion. He thanked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the Centre for their support.
Officials said Poddar Infra Tech executed the construction, with design consultancy by Force Structural Engineering Pvt. Ltd., proof consultancy by Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and safety oversight by Engineering Project Consultants. They added that strict quality control measures were maintained throughout, including regular material testing at an on-site laboratory. Steel components fabricated in Rourkela were transported in segments for assembly, while specialised carbon steel tension rods imported from Thailand were used for the hanger system. Comprehensive load testing confirmed the bridge’s readiness for all classes of vehicles before it opened to traffic.
