August 24, 2023
Introduction
In a devastating incident, an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near the Sairang area of Mizoram, claiming the lives of at least 17 workers and leaving several others feared trapped. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday around 11 am, just 21 kilometers away from the state capital, Aizawl.
At the time of the collapse, approximately 40 construction workers were on the bridge, which was part of an ambitious Indian Railways project aimed at connecting all state capitals in the northeast region. The bridge, being built over the Kurung River between Bairabi and Sairang railway stations, holds strategic importance in connecting Aizawl with the national railway network.
Railway Ministry offers compensation
The collapse has sent shockwaves throughout the region. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his condolences and announced a compensation package for the affected families. He stated, “Grieved by the unfortunate incident in Mizoram. NDRF, state administration, and railway officials are at the site. Rescue operation on war footing. Ex-gratia compensation: ₹10 lakh in case of death, ₹2 lakh towards grievous injuries, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.” His announcement was made on social media, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The Sairang branch of the Young Mizo Association has taken up the responsibility of conducting rescue operations. As rescue efforts continue, authorities are still working to ascertain the exact cause of the bridge’s collapse. Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), noted, “The bridge that collapsed was part of an Indian Railways project to connect all state capitals in the northeast region. It has been under construction for some years now. The incident happened around 11 am. We are yet to ascertain the reason behind the accident and how many people actually were on it when it occurred.”
Mizoram’s Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, expressed his grief over the incident on a social media platform. He stated, “Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; at least 15 workers died: Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations.”
Conclusion
The collapse of the bridge has not only resulted in a loss of lives but has also highlighted the importance of rigorous safety measures and quality control in large-scale infrastructure projects. As rescue teams continue their efforts to save lives and assess the extent of the damage, questions surrounding the incident’s cause remain unanswered. The entire nation mourns the loss of lives and stands in solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time.
