Seven bridges near completion along Nagma-Gamgadhi Highway

By Netra Shahi,Jumla, June 2: Out of the 10 concrete bridges planned along the Nagma-Gamgadhi Highway, connecting the historic Sinja region to Rara, seven are nearing completion.

According to Pradeep Chaudhary, Information Officer at the Road Division Office, Jumla, bridges nearing completion include those at Bajagada in Hima Rural Municipality, Bistwada in Sinja Rural Municipality, Rokayabada connecting Kanakasundari and Sinja, and Pina Khola, Jhyari Khola, and Gothi Khola in Chhayanath Rara Municipality of Mugu district.Vehicles have already started to ply along the bridge at Bajagada, although some minor work remains

The construction is being carried out by Him Sagarmatha Construction Pvt. Ltd. under a multi-year agreement worth Rs. 326.8 million. Of this, Rs. 105 million has been paid so far and the remaining amount has been requested, said Chaudhary. The Road Division Office reports that three bridges along the 93-kilometre highway remain stalled due to various issues. The bridge connecting Nagma and Hima Rural Municipality has been halted due to land dispute issues. 

Similarly, the bridge at Guthijyula in Kanakasundari Rural Municipality is obstructed by nearby settlements, and work on the Lumsa Bridge in Mugu has also been delayed due to land and housing issues complications.

The Nagma Bridge, located on the border of Kalikot and Jumla districts, requires coordination with Kalikot authorities. Letters requesting facilitation have been sent to local governments in these disputed areas. However, due to delays in resolving these issues, the bridges are unlikely to be completed within this fiscal year, adding to locals' frustrations.