WALING: Construction of a concrete bridge has begun over Armadi Khola in Waling Municipality-1, Syangja, as part of the Andhikhola Corridor project initiated by the municipality.
The new bridge, being built at Bauwa along the banks of Andhikhola, is expected to serve as an alternative route to the Siddhartha Highway, according to Dhruba Regmi, engineer at Waling Municipality. Once completed at the junction of Andhikhola and Armadi Khola, the bridge will facilitate daily transportation between Waling Bazaar and the Waling Sanitation Center.
“Upon completion, transporting biodegradable, non-biodegradable, lead-based, and organic waste from the city’s market area to the sanitation center will become much easier,” Regmi said. “The bridge will also serve as an alternative route to the Siddhartha Highway, easing movement for the public and saving both time and money.”
The municipality has signed a contract with DSMY JV for the construction of the bridge at a cost of Rs. 33.7 million. The project is scheduled for completion by May 2026. The single-span bridge will measure 25 meters in length and 8.40 meters in width, including sidewalks. Construction of the bridge’s foundation has already begun.
Currently, while vehicles can cross the river in winter, transportation becomes difficult during the rainy season, forcing garbage trucks and daily commuters to take longer detours. Farmers transporting tractors and other equipment also face challenges during heavy rainfall.
The route from Waling Bazaar to the sanitation center relies on the Armadi and Mirdikhola rivers. Locals noted that even after the new concrete bridge is built on Armadi Khola this year, vehicles are currently forced to use the Mirdikhola route.
Regmi stated that the bridge construction aims to ensure year-round vehicle movement along the Andhikhola Corridor, even during the monsoon season. Preparations are also underway to award a contract for a concrete bridge over Mirdikhola in the upcoming fiscal year.
Once completed, the Andhikhola Corridor will allow smooth transportation of agricultural produce and river-based goods from the cultivable lands along the banks of Andhikhola, Armadi, and Mirdikhola. The corridor is expected to reduce traffic congestion on the Siddhartha Highway and within Waling Bazaar, significantly improving local connectivity.
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