Concrete bridge construction begins on Thumlung River in Bhojpur

BHOJPUR: Locals have welcomed the start of construction of a concrete bridge over the Thumlung River along the Tejing-Hilari Highway in Bhojpur, saying it will provide a long-term solution to years of transportation difficulties.

The Infrastructure Development Office has said that around 55 percent of the construction work on the bridge, located in Salpasilicho Rural Municipality-6, has been completed.

Local resident Khagendra Rai said the bridge would end the risks faced by people who have been forced to cross the river for years. He said the problem became particularly severe during the monsoon when rising water levels disrupted movement.

“Without a bridge, everything from transporting food supplies to daily travel was difficult. We hope movement will become much easier after the bridge is completed,” Rai said.

According to Rajanraj Reddy, chief of the Infrastructure Development Office, the bridge is being constructed at a cost of Rs 49.45 million with funding from the Koshi Province government. He said major structural works, including the construction of pillars, have already been completed.

Reddy said the single-span bridge will be 35 meters long and 8.4 meters wide, including a footpath. The bridge is being built using the open foundation technique and is expected to directly benefit residents of Salpasilicho Rural Municipality and Shadananda Municipality.

Previously, the absence of a bridge caused major difficulties for students, senior citizens, patients and pregnant women, while also affecting the transportation of essential goods.

Local resident Dilliram Basnet said daily life was severely affected when the river became difficult to cross during the rainy season. He expressed hope that the new bridge would improve local trade, facilitate the transportation and marketing of agricultural products, and strengthen connectivity.

The construction agreement for the bridge was signed in Asoj 2082 BS, with completion scheduled for Asoj 2084 BS. Koseli-Naulakha-Jai Govinda JV has been awarded the contract for the project.