Head. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport and Urban Development Kulman Ghising has made an onsite monitoring of the under-construction bridge over the Kamala River linking Siraha and Dhanusha along the Postal Highway.

Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta, Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Keshav Kumar Sharma, Director General of the Department of Roads Bijaya Jaishi and other officials inspected the Kamala bridge on Friday.

Minister Ghising monitored the construction of the bridge after receiving complaints that the bridge could not be constructed even after 14 years of the contract agreement, the people were facing problems due to the lack of bridge construction and the vehicles were compelled to use the long route.

A contract agreement was signed with Pappu Lumbini JV in 2068 BS for the construction of Kamala Bridge along the Postal Highway, which is the lifeline of Tarai÷Madhes. As per the agreement, the bridge was supposed to be completed by November 2071. After the bridge could not be completed within the stipulated time, the contract agreement that was extended to the eighth reader had expired in June. The contractors have submitted a proposal to extend the deadline till coming June. Currently, the contract is in the process of being extended.

Regarding the delay in the construction of the bridge, Minister Ghising expressed commitment to expedite the construction of the bridge as it is very important for the development of the entire Madhes region.

Stating that the bridge will be constructed, he said that the concerned body is investigating the irregularities in the construction of the bridge in the past and action will be taken against those found guilty. Locals had demanded that the bridge construction be completed at the earliest. During the inspection, Minister Ghising Bari reached Siraha by boat from Dhanusha. He also met with Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta and inspected the construction of the bridge.

So far, Rs 20.43 crore has been paid as VAT. The physical and financial progress of the bridge construction is 83 per cent and 82 per cent respectively. The length of the bridge with 12 spans is 469 meters. The contractor had signed a contract for the design and construction of the bridge. Along with the construction of the bridge, 1300 meters of river control on both sides of the river and 200 meters access road will be constructed.

The flood in the Kamala River on 17th Asar 2078 had damaged four slabs of the bridge after two foundations of the bridge collapsed. Of the damaged slavs, 2 have been removed and 2 are yet to be removed. The experts have examined the soil of the area and prepared a revised design and DOE and approved it. Out of the 4 slabs, the work of removing 2 of the head, the ankle cap of one foot and the steam slope of the other foot by 2 meters and strengthening of the remaining 2 spans is still pending. As per the approved revised design, the bridge construction and rehabilitation would be completed by mid-July.