SAPTARI: Preparations are underway to construct a new three-kilometre-long bridge connecting Kanchanpur in Saptari district with Rajabas in Sunsari as an alternative to the existing Koshi Barrage Bridge.
According to Chudaraj Dhakal, director of the Project Directorate under the Department of Roads, the estimated cost of the proposed bridge is Rs 43 billion, based on a detailed project report prepared a few years ago.
The project will be implemented with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank. Once completed and brought into operation, the new bridge and road will shorten the East-West Highway journey by 14 kilometres.
Dhakal said technical preparations for the construction of the bridge and road infrastructure are currently underway.
Under the project, a 43-kilometre road will also be constructed along with the bridge, which will feature a unique design. Necessary procedural work for the construction of the overall infrastructure is currently in progress, he said.
However, the project has encountered some environmental and legal approval challenges as the construction area is connected to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
With the Koshi Barrage ageing and traffic pressure increasing, the proposed alternative route is expected to play an important role in improving transportation connectivity and traffic management in eastern Nepal.
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