Bridge Connecting Provincial Capital Remains Incomplete After Eight Years

A crucial bridge connecting Bagmati Province’s capital, Hetauda, with Kavrepalanchwok district has yet to be completed, even after eight years, due to delays by the contractor. The bridge, intended to span the Bagmati River at Sikredobhan in Bagmati Rural Municipality-5 (Makawanpur) and Khanikhola Rural Municipality-5 (Kavrepalanchwok), was awarded to Mahadev-Sikhar-Tamakoshi Joint Venture.

Despite a contract agreement signed in the fiscal year 2073/74 BS, which stipulated a two-year completion timeline, the bridge remains unfinished. The project, valued at over Rs 110 million (excluding taxes), has left local residents frustrated and inconvenienced.

Local officials and residents have expressed their grievances, citing the difficulties caused by the absence of the bridge. Khanchalal Jimba, Chairperson of Mahabharat Rural Municipality, highlighted the challenges faced by residents of Khanikhola and Mahabharat rural municipalities in commuting without the bridge.

The construction company claims that 30% of the physical work has been completed, including the erection of pillars, piling in the middle of the river, and piling on the Kavrepalanchwok side. However, Khadga Nepal, a representative of the company, acknowledged the delays, explaining that the lack of an access road initially hindered the transportation of construction materials. “We had to build a road first, which caused some delays,” he said.

Local resident Ram Prasad Timilsina emphasized the bridge’s importance, stating, “If the bridge were built, it would take only two hours to reach Hetauda from Taldhunga in Khanikhola. It would greatly ease commuting for locals.”

In response to the prolonged delays, a joint team from Mahabharat, Khanikhola, and Bagmati rural municipalities submitted an attention letter to Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama (Tamang) last Wednesday, urging the acceleration of the bridge’s construction. CM Lama assured the team that the project would be prioritized and instructed the concerned minister to expedite the construction process.

The bridge, once completed, is expected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time for residents, fostering economic and social development in the region.