Mizoram's Faith Bridge Inaugurated, Set to Transform Regional Connectivity
The newly inaugurated Lengtekai Bridge, officially named the Faith Bridge, spanning the Tlawng river in Mizoram, represents a significant leap forward in the state's infrastructure development. This strategic structure is poised to dramatically enhance connectivity for the northeastern region, linking Aizawl city with the state's sole Lengpui Airport and the Mamit district that borders Tripura.
A Milestone Infrastructure Project
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma inaugurated the bridge on Tuesday, hailing it as a milestone achievement in strengthening the state's core infrastructure framework. Constructed at a cost of Rs 43.83 crore, the bridge measures 100 meters in length and 7.5 meters in width, featuring 1.5-meter footpaths on both sides for pedestrian safety.
Engineered to carry loads up to 385 metric tons, the Faith Bridge replaces older Bailey structures that had limited capacity and were prone to repeated damage from environmental factors and heavy usage. This modern infrastructure promises safer, uninterrupted transport for thousands of residents and commercial vehicles.
Overcoming Construction Challenges
The bridge's construction journey faced significant technical hurdles. During the launching phase in December 2024, a pulley failure caused substantial delays to the project timeline. After comprehensive technical reassessments and renewed preparations, engineers successfully positioned the bridge structure in April 2025, with finishing works completed by September 2025.
The construction consortium included Poddar Infra Tech as the primary contractor, with design consultancy provided by Force Structural Engineering Pvt Ltd. Proof consultancy services came from IIT Bombay, while Engineering Project Consultants oversaw safety protocols throughout the project lifecycle.
Strategic Importance and Regional Impact
Chief Minister Lalduhoma emphasized the bridge's strategic value as a vital corridor for Mamit district, which is home to approximately 85,000 people across 90 villages. The improved connectivity will significantly benefit agricultural initiatives, particularly the CM Rubber Mission, by facilitating smoother transport of produce to markets.
The bridge also enables efficient transport of sand resources from the Mizoram-Tripura border river Langkaih and provides enhanced access to educational institutions like the National Institute of Technology Mizoram in Lengpui. Furthermore, this route strengthens regional connectivity with neighboring Tripura and creates potential trade linkages with Bangladesh.
Quality Assurance and Technical Specifications
The Faith Bridge underwent rigorous quality assurance protocols throughout its construction. Materials were continuously tested in an on-site laboratory, while steel components fabricated in Rourkela were transported in sections to the construction site. Specialized carbon steel tension rods imported from Thailand were utilized for the hanger system, ensuring structural integrity.
Comprehensive load testing confirmed the bridge's operational safety for all classes of vehicles, from passenger cars to heavy commercial transport. This attention to quality reflects the government's commitment to timely, durable infrastructure that meets international standards.
Addressing Infrastructure Gaps
Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted that Mizoram's current road density stands at approximately 46.37 km per 100 sq km, which remains well below the national average. This infrastructure gap makes accelerated development a priority for the state government.
The Chief Minister expressed appreciation to Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari and the central government for their cooperation and support in bringing this crucial project to fruition. The Faith Bridge represents a tangible step toward bridging Mizoram's infrastructure deficit while fostering economic growth and regional integration.
