Bridge construction on Dhangadhi–Mohana six-lane road slows due to budget shortage

Kailali: The construction of two bridges along the Dhangadhi Mohana Bridge six-lane road has been moving forward slowly due to insufficient budget allocation.

Work on the bridges over the Manahara River in Godavari Municipality-5 and the Trinagar Customs estuary has not gained momentum. According to engineer Santosh Chand of the Mahakali Bridge Project Office, the projects, which began in 2078 BS, are progressing slowly because of delays from the construction companies and reduced budget allocation.

An agreement was signed with Raimajhi Construction in Magh 2078 BS to build the Mohana River bridge near the Trinagar Customs checkpoint for Rs 133.6 million, with a completion deadline of Jestha 2080 BS. The project office reported that the bridge’s physical progress is at 50 percent and Rs 90 million has been paid so far. The construction deadline has been extended for the second time until Chaitra 28, 2082.

A budget of Rs 15 million has been allocated for the Mohana Bridge in the current fiscal year. Engineer Chand stated that the project could be completed within this fiscal year if the necessary funds are made available.

Similarly, a contract worth Rs 85 million was awarded to Uchchakoti–Shanidev–Sajendra JV in Magh 2078 BS for the construction of the Manahara Khola bridge in Godavari Municipality-5, with a two-year completion timeline. The project, now in its second extension, has achieved only 55 percent physical progress. Chand confirmed that the installation of pillars has been completed, and a budget of Rs 10 million has been allocated for this bridge for the current fiscal year.

He stated that slab installation has begun on both bridges, and the construction could be completed within the fiscal year if the budget is properly managed. According to the Planning Office, the Suni Khola bridge in Godavari Municipality-5 was constructed under a contract of Rs 35 million and has been operational since mid-Ashar.