Kanchanpur. Two bridges in the district are nearing completion. The construction of the bridge over Odal Khola along the Bank-Budar-Nayal road section of Krishnapur municipality-1 and Musepani rivulet bridge linking Bedkot municipality-6 and 7 has reached the final stage.

According to Harish Prasad Joshi, information officer at the Road Division Office, Mahendranagar, a contract was signed on May 26, 2017 at a cost of Rs 154.3 million.

Similarly, an agreement was signed on September 3, 2016 for the construction of the Odal River Bridge at a cost of Rs 54.7 million within two years. However, the deadline of both the bridges has been extended time and again due to the failure to complete the work on time. Information Officer Joshi said that the company has been fined 10 percent (thousand) for not completing the bridge over Odal River in the stipulated time. However, the deadline for the construction of the bridge over the Musepani River has been fixed till mid-November, 2082 BS.

The physical progress of the bridge over Musepani River is 95 per cent while that of the bridge over Odal River is 93 per cent. “The construction of the substructure, superstructure and embankment of both the bridges has been completed. ’

The length of the bridge over Odal River is 40 meters while the bridge over Musepani River is 160 meters. Both bridges have been constructed using modern pre-stressed technology.

In terms of finance, the progress of the bridge over Odal River is Rs 45.2 million, of which 10 percent has been recovered. The financial progress of the bridge over Musepani River has reached Rs 13.30 crore. Though both the bridges could not be completed within the stipulated time due to dillydallying by the contractor company, the construction work is taking place in a speedy manner.

Locals have been facing problems for a long time due to the delay in the construction of the bridge. Normal life has been affected especially during the rainy season due to increased risk of crossing the river and difficulty in mobility.

Gaya Prasad Chaudhary, a local of Krishnapur Municipality-1, said, “We had to cross the river for many years. ’

The operation of both bridges is expected to ease transportation of local transport, trade and agricultural products. With this, the residents of Bunk-Budar-Nayal road section and Musepani area of Bedkot have expressed hope that the long-standing problem of crossing the river would be resolved.

The Road Division Office has said that the remaining approach road and finishing works will be completed soon and both bridges will be brought into operation within the current fiscal year.