Jhapa. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Kulman Ghising on Sunday inspected the Kankai Bridge that has remained in limbo for the past 14 years.

Minister Ghising inspected the Kankai Bridge that connects Jhapa Rural Municipality-2 and Gaurigunj Rural Municipality-1 along the Postal Highway. In the fiscal year 2067/68, the Pappu Mahadevkhimti Joint Venture (JV) was awarded a contract of Rs 510 million for the construction of the bridge in design and build model. The physical and financial progress of the bridge construction is only 55 percent.

Minister Ghising said he has been informed that the bridge has been in limbo for long and a concrete way out would be found soon after carrying out a detailed study of the bridge. “The bridge construction has been in limbo for a long time, we will take immediate decision on whether to go for a new process by scrapping the contract and what to do with the contractors,” he said, adding, “We will not be able to keep the construction of the bridge, which is of strategic importance linked to the livelihood of the people, we will give a way out soon.” ’

Locals have been demanding immediate completion of the bridge as it has affected trade and business and tourism promotion.

The work was carried out on behalf of the contractor till 2076. However, after a defect was found in the construction, it was technically tested. Some work was done by the contractor to correct the error confirmed by the technical examination. The contract expired in 2080 BS. According to the latest amendment to the Public Procurement Regulations, the contractors have applied for extension of the deadline.

Chief of the Postal Highway Project Office, Itahari, Yubaraj Pokharel, said that out of 19 spans of the bridge, eight have been completed while two out of the remaining 11 spans have been completed. The foundation of 6 has been laid and the foundation of 3 is yet to be laid.

Likewise, Minister Ghising also inspected the Kankai Sanomai River Bridge at Jhapa Rural Municipality-2 which was damaged due to incessant rainfall on October 3 and 19. The bridge was damaged due to flooding. He urged the government to make the necessary decision after carrying out a technical examination of the bridge. The team comprises Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Keshav Kumar Sharma, Home Secretary Rameshwor Dangal, Director General of Department of Roads Bijaya Jaishi, Chief District Officer of Jhapa Gopal Kumar Adhikari, among others.