Following a field inspection by Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kul Man Ghising, the construction company responsible for the long-delayed Kamala River Bridge—linking Dhanusha and Siraha—has committed to completing it within three months.
The bridge, part of the crucial Postal Highway (Hulaki Rajmarg), was contracted in 2068 BS to be completed within three years. However, 14 years later, it remains incomplete, causing severe hardship for local residents.
During Friday’s inspection, Minister Ghising personally crossed the river by boat to experience the daily risks, struggles, and insecurity faced by locals. He wrote on social media that witnessing their years-long suffering “made his heart heavy.”
He stated that temporary alternatives for easier movement of locals were discussed and that necessary procedures would follow. He also made it clear that concerns over technical issues would be handled responsibly by the concerned authorities and that ministerial-level monitoring would continue regularly.
Lumbini Builders, the company now handling the project after Pappu Construction was blacklisted for abandoning the work, assured the Minister that the bridge would be completed and operational within three months. The bridge’s two pillars were damaged in the flood of Asar 17, 2078 BS.
The 469-meter-long bridge has achieved 83% physical progress and 82% financial progress, and its contract is currently in the process of being extended for the ninth time.
Friday’s inspection team included Minister Ghising, Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta, Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma, Road Department Director General Bijaya Jaishi, officials from the Postal Highway Directorate, Janakpur Planning Office, and Gen-Z representatives.
This bridge is considered crucial for transportation, safety, and economic development in Madhes Province. The ministry has expressed commitment to ensuring timely completion through consistent monitoring and necessary facilitation.
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