Construction of three-way bridge over Kaligandaki completed

BY ARJUN KAFLE,Syangja, Jan.1: The construction of the country's first three-way suspension bridge at the meeting point of Syangja, Palpa and Gulmi over Ridi River has been completed. The construction of the bridge has been completed after seven and half years though Nayabato-Rubina-Mana JV Company had signed a contract on June 24, 2014 to complete the construction of the bridge within three years. 

The construction company had started the construction after signing the contract with Department of Local Infrastructure. The contract was signed at Rs. 9.88 million. The country’s first three-way suspension bridge connects Karikot Chandi Bhanjyang in Kaligandaki-1 of Syangja, Argali in Tansen Municipality-14 of Palpa and Ridi in Ruru Rural Municipality-1 of Gulmi.

Contractor Mahendra Adhikari said that the construction work had been delayed since the bridge was first of its type in Nepal and they were unknown about the design, construction works and materials to build the bridge. 

Krishna Lamichhane, ward chair of Ward No. 1, said that the three-way bridge has been a centre of attraction to the internal and external tourists. Stating that the bridge looks beautiful at night due to lights installed on it, he said that the locals were seen happy after the completion of the bridge construction. He added that hundreds of people had been visiting the bridge every day. 

The main pillar of the bridge is built in Kaligandaki at the middle point of the three districts. All three districts are at a distance of 59.13 metres from the pillar. 

A 16-metre well foundation has been laid under the main pillar and a walkway of 12 metre width. A railing has been constructed at the top of 25.23 metre tall tower built on the walkway for the solar system.