Only 10% progress in 10 years in Kaligandaki Motorable Bridge

By Arjun Kafle, Syangja, Jan 5: Only 10 per cent of construction work has been completed in 10 years of the Kaligandaki Motorable Bridge that links Kalikot of Kaligandai-1, Syangja district and Ridi of Gulmi. 

Shwochhanda Construction Service Kathmandu has an agreement with Road Division Office Palpa to finish work within three years.

Construction entrepreneur Balaram Panthi said that work got delayed in past due to the lack of a construction map. Similarly, a problem created in the construction of the pillar of the Gulmi side has delayed the work by another 6 months.

The construction contract was extended on 28 December 2020 for the first time after the beginning of the work 8 years back and on 13 April 2022 for the second time.

Chief of Division Office Palpa Pradeep Mani Niraula said that work progress is slow. The agreement has been extended till 10 July 2023.

Niraula said that the construction cost amounts Rs 18,32,40,626 on the agreement however bill amount of Rs 27.7 million is paid.

Chief of Federal Road Supervision and Monitoring Office, Pokhara, Lalijan Khanal said that construction entrepreneurs have demanded for Pile Foundation instead of a Well Foundation in line with Madan Bhandari Highway, Tamghas Gulmi and which is in the process.

Khanal said that after approval for Pile Foundation, the work will be initiated based on the new design and will start work in the new design.

The construction company said that the work will be finished within one and half years once work is started based on Pile Foundation.