Motorable bridge construction begins in Melamchi

By Chitra Mijar,Sindhupalchowk, Feb. 2: After the devastating Melamchi flood swept away the motorable bridge four years ago, construction of a new permanent bridge has started.

The contract, along with the Detailed Project Report (DPR), has been awarded for the new bridge, which will be located about 13 metres upstream from the current Bailey bridge.

The bridge, under construction in Melamchi Municipality Ward Nos. 10 and 11, will connect Melamchi-Shikharpur-Panchpokhari. It will also shorten the distance to reach the district headquarters, Chautara. The project has brought together municipal representatives, provincial assembly members and other concerned stakeholders.

The Melamchi flood in 2021, triggered by a landslide in Bhemathang, destroyed dozens of permanent, Bailey and suspension bridges in a single event. Following the collapse of the motorable bridge, temporary transportation was facilitated using culvert pipes and a Bailey bridge. Now, the process of building a permanent bridge at the same site has begun.

Under the leadership of the then Bagmati Province Minister for Internal Affairs and Finance, Bahadur Singh Lama, the Ministry of Finance allocated a budget of Rs. 370 million for the bridge in the fiscal year 2023/2024 (2080/81). This budget was secured following recommendations from the then Minister for Physical Infrastructure, Yubaraj Dulal and the efforts of Bagmati Provincial Assembly member Krishna Kumar Tamang. 

Melamchi Municipality had repeatedly lobbied the ministry and ministers for the bridge’s construction.

As part of a multi-year plan, the new motorable bridge over the Melamchi River will be 112 metres long and 11 metres wide. A contract worth Rs. 250 million (excluding VAT) has been signed with Jay Bishnu Nirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd. The construction is expected to be completed within the next two years.

Mayor of the Melamchi Municipality Aitman Tamang has instructed the contractor to ensure quality construction and timely completion. Once completed, the bridge will benefit thousands of residents from Melamchi Municipality, Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, Indrawati Rural Municipality and surrounding areas. 

Currently, vehicles are crossing the Melamchi River via culvert pipes and a Bailey bridge, which is vulnerable to being washed away during the monsoon floods.

The Melamchi flood in 2021 swept away multiple bridges, including a concrete motorable bridge and a suspension bridge. The floods also damaged four other suspension bridges.