NFR completes girder launch on world's tallest railway pier bridge

MALIGAON, MAY 28 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has achieved a major engineering feat with the successful completion of girder launching on Bridge No. 164, popularly known as the Noney Bridge, which is part of the Jiribam–Imphal railway line in Manipur.

The bridge, touted as the world’s tallest railway pier bridge, features piers P3 and P4—each standing at a height of 141 metres—surpassing all other railway pier structures globally. It is a key component of the 111-km-long Jiribam–Imphal railway line project, aimed at improving connectivity in the North Eastern region, a press release received from the CPRO, NFR informed on Wednesday. 

The final steel span of the bridge was recently erected, completing the launch of all eight spans of the massive structure. The bridge features a span configuration of 1x71.5m + 5x106m + 1x71.5m + 1x30m, designed to ensure both stability and durability in the region's difficult terrain and seismic-prone environment.

Engineered to endure the complex geological and climatic conditions of the area, the bridge stretches across hilly terrain and deep valleys, making construction particularly challenging. NFR officials said the successful superstructure completion is the result of meticulous planning, advanced construction technologies, and the tireless efforts of the engineering teams involved.

The Jiribam–Imphal railway project is regarded as one of the most critical infrastructure projects in the Northeast. The 55.36-km Jiribam–Khongsang section was commissioned in September 2022 and currently facilitates goods train services carrying essential commodities to Khongsang.

The remaining segments—Khongsang–Noney (18.25 km) and Noney–Imphal (37.02 km)—are under various stages of construction and are expected to be commissioned in the coming years. Once completed, the railway line is expected to significantly enhance transportation and economic development in Manipur.