Manipur: Gunlei bridge reopens amid applause for community-led revival effort in Saikul

The vital Gunlei Bridge, also known locally as the Khaochangbung Bailey Bridge, was officially reopened to the public on Saturday. This pivotal infrastructure, which had remained in a state of disrepair since May, has been restored entirely through a self-initiated community effort.

The bridge, situated across the Imphal river, locally known as Gundung river in and originally constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), connects Keithelmanbi Military Colony to Molvom-Khaochangbung. It plays a crucial role in linking Saikul Sub-Division to the Kangpokpi District Headquarters, serving as an essential artery for trade, education, healthcare, and mobility.

The structure suffered extensive damage during Cyclone Remal in May 2024. To the dismay of locals, the bridge was left abandoned in the ensuing months, largely due to the prevailing ethnic unrest and the perceived inaction by government bodies. The resulting isolation severely disrupted everyday life in the region.

“Its collapse was not just structural; it collapsed our entire way of life,” shared a resident, highlighting the devastating impact on daily commutes, emergency access, and the local economy.

Faced with prolonged inaccessibility and administrative neglect, local residents rallied together to form the Gunlei Reconstruction Committee. Entirely self-funded, the group raised public donations and, despite two initial setbacks, succeeded in fully restoring the bridge after months of tireless labor.

At the reopening event, Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing commended the committee's relentless efforts, calling the bridge “the lifeline of the people of Saikul and Kangpokpi.” She pledged to extend all necessary support in pushing the concerned authorities to build a permanent structure in the near future.

The inauguration ceremony was marked by prayers and blessings offered by Rev. Dr. S. Chongloi, Secretary of the Kuki-Zo Christian Relief Committee, who dedicated the bridge to the community. The event culminated in a symbolic vehicle flag-off on the Keithelmanbi–Saikul route, signalling the resumption of movement and connection.

However, the bridge currently remains off-limits to heavy vehicles due to structural constraints. Acknowledging this, Chochon Kipgen, Information Secretary of the Gunlei Reconstruction Committee, stated, “Due to financial limitations, the current restoration is not full-proof. But given the urgency, we could not wait any longer.”

Kipgen urged state authorities to take swift action for permanent reconstruction. “The people have done their part. Now it’s time for the government to respond.”