Bridge remains incomplete even after 12 years

By Amar Raj Naharki,Tanahun, Apr. 5: Construction of the Ghumaune Bridge over the Trishuli River has faced prolonged delays due to design changes, with no significant advancement even after 12 years.

The project, which began in 2013, has now shifted from its original arch design to a new structural alternative after the previous design was deemed unsuitable. 

The bridge, intended to connect Tanahun from Ghumaune along the Mugling–Narayangadh road section, aims to provide a shorter alternative route linking Damauli with the Chitwan district.

Although pillars on both sides had already been erected, flooding in July 2023 raised the riverbed level, rendering the original design ineffective. 

According to Rajendra Karki, information officer at the Road Division Office, Damauli, the initial plan was to construct an arch bridge similar to the one in Mugling. However, damage to the foundation area supporting the arch made a design revision necessary.

The construction company has submitted a revised design proposing an increased pillar height along with steel or slab structure options. 

However, construction has yet to gain momentum pending approval of the new design.

The delay has increased both the cost and the timeline. While there was initially no agreement on cost escalation, the revised design has now been submitted at the contractor’s own expense.  Physical progress so far stands at around 36 per cent. As per the latest deadline extension, the project is expected to be completed by mid-July 2026. 

The bridge would shorten the distance to Damauli by about 23 kilometres via the Buddhasingh route compared to the Mugling–Ambukhaireni road. 

It is considered a faster and alternative route for vehicles travelling from Narayangadh to Pokhara.

The 105-metre-long and 11-metre-wide bridge was contracted at Rs 102.186 million to Mrit Sanjivani Construction Company of Makwanpur.

Local frustration has grown as the project has remained stalled for years. According to Yam Bahadur Ale, former chairperson of the Buddhasingh Road Users Committee, the delay has affected the area’s socio-economic activities. 

“We have repeatedly pressured authorities to expedite construction, but our concerns have gone unheard,” he said.