Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday inaugurated the Lengtekai Bridge over the Tlawng River, a key infrastructure project funded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at a cost of Rs 43.83 crore.
Officially named the ‘Faith Bridge’, 100-metre-long structure is 7.5 metres wide and 1.5 metres wide footpath on both sides. Designed to carry loads up to 385 metric tonnes, the bridge is expected to significantly enhance transport safety and capacity in the region.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Minister recounted the challenges encountered during the bridge launching phase in December 2024, when pulley failure caused a major delay. After months of renewed technical preparation, the launching was attempted again in April 2025 and the structure was successfully positioned without incident.
Finishing works, including the construction of approach roads, were completed in September 2025, paving the way for its formal opening.
CM Lalduhoma emphasized that the bridge replaces older Bailey structures that had limited load capacity and had suffered repeated damage in the past. The new bridge eliminates the need for load restrictions and vehicle unloading, ensuring smoother and safer traffic movement.
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He described the bridge as a symbol of reliability and faith, reflecting in its name, and a milestone in strengthening Mizoram’s core infrastructure.
Highlighting the bridge’s strategic value, the Chief Minister noted that it serves as a crucial link for Mamit district, which is home to around 85,000 people across roughly 90 villages, according to Census 2011 data. The district has strong agricultural potential, including rubber cultivation initiatives under the state’s Chief Minister Rubber Mission.
The route also connects Mizoram with Tripura and Bangladesh, facilitates the transport of locally sourced Langkaih river sand, and provides access to Lengpui Airport and institutions such as National Institute of Technology Mizoram. The Mamit-Bairabi corridor, he added, will continue to gain importance as regional connectivity expands.
Lalduhoma thanked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the central government for their continued support towards the state.
Officials said that strict quality assurance protocols were maintained throughout construction. An on-site laboratory conducted continuous testing of materials including aggregates and sand sourced from Assam. Steel components were fabricated in Rourkela and transported in sections for assembly. Specialized carbon steel tension rods manufactured in Thailand were used for the hanger system. Comprehensive load testing was carried out before commissioning to confirm the bridge’s safety and operational capacity.
