- Friday, 9 May 2025
Construction of Kaligandaki bridge delayed
Bridge over Kaligandaki River at Bagnaskali in Ramdi, Palpa Photo: TRN
By Rekhiram Rana,Tansen, May 9:The construction of a bridge over the Kaligandaki River at Bagnaskali in Ramdi, Palpa, connecting Lumbini and Gandaki provinces, has been delayed.
The contractors responsible for the project have cited various reasons for the delay. According to the agreement, construction of the bridge began three years ago with a completion deadline of mid-July 2025.
However, with only two months remaining, the project is unlikely to meet the deadline, especially as the monsoon season has almost begun.
Delays have been attributed to design-related issues and difficulties in sourcing construction materials. The bridge is being built at a cost of Rs. 277.19 million, under an agreement signed on July 14, 2022.
According to Gyanendra Kalauni, Chief of the Bridge Sector in Pokhara, the construction is being carried out using an "arch-through" design. The bridge is being built on the eastern side of the existing old bridge, a truss structure constructed during the development of the Siddhartha Highway in 1971, which is now in a deteriorated condition.
“So far, 70 per cent of the construction has been completed,” said Chief Kalauni. When asked about the delays, he responded, “The work has not been delayed.”
He added that the foundation and wall construction are complete, and the arch fitting for the upper portion of the bridge has also been finished.
Santosh Gurung, a representative of the contractors, claimed that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe. The contractors have received Rs. 140 million in payments so far.
The new motorable bridge will be 108 meters long and 11 metres wide. Due to the poor condition of the old bridge, vehicles exceeding 15 tons have been restricted from crossing it for the past few years. The new bridge will be 15 meters longer than the old one.
Local residents expressed concerns over the delay, noting that the old bridge was unsafe. They hope the new bridge will be completed soon to ensure safer travel.
