KATHMANDU: The construction company responsible for the incomplete Kamala River bridge, which connects Dhanusha and Siraha, has pledged to complete the project within three months following an on-site inspection and directives from Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising.
The bridge, part of the Postal Highway, considered the lifeline of Tarai/Madhesh, was originally contracted in 2011 to be completed within three years. However, 14 years later, the construction remains unfinished. During his inspection on Friday, Minister Ghising personally experienced the daily hardships faced by locals, even crossing the river by boat to understand the risks and challenges they encounter.
After the inspection, Minister Ghising shared on social media that he felt deeply burdened by the situation.
“This bridge, contracted in May 2011 to be completed in three years, remains incomplete to this day, with local residents suffering the most,” he wrote. “Witnessing the daily hardships, risks, and frustrations of the locals firsthand during monitoring left a heavy heart. I deeply felt how challenging these long-standing difficulties are for them.”
Ghising also noted that detailed discussions were held on temporary alternatives to ease local commuting, and necessary procedures will be initiated. He emphasized that relevant authorities will be held accountable for technical issues and that ministerial-level monitoring will continue.
The director of Lumbini Builders, Bishnu Prasad Sharma, who currently holds responsibility for completing the bridge, assured the minister that the project would be finished and operational within three months.
Initially, Pappu Construction had been tasked with completing the 469-meter bridge within three years, but repeated delays left the project unfinished. After Pappu Construction was blacklisted, Lumbini Builders took over the remaining work. The bridge suffered damage to two piers during floods in 2021.
Currently, the bridge has achieved 83 percent physical progress and 82 percent financial progress. The contract is under its ninth extension.
Friday’s on-site inspection team included Minister Ghising, Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta, Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Keshav Kumar Sharma, Department of Roads Director General Vijay Jaisi, officials from the Postal Highway Directorate and Janakpur Project Office, and Gen-Z representatives Sudhan Gurung, Shiv Yadav, and Purushottam Yadav, among others.
The Kamala River bridge is considered critical for transportation convenience, safety, and economic development in Madhesh Province. The ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to regular monitoring, facilitation, and necessary support to ensure timely completion of the project.
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