Construction of Jhogula concrete bridge connecting Bajura and Mugu faces delays

Bajura: The construction of the Jhogula concrete bridge, which will connect Bajura and Mugu over the Karnali River, has been delayed. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development, Karnali Province Government, had allocated approximately Rs 144.9 million for the project, aimed at linking all districts of Karnali Province from Bajura via Mugu and Rara.

The delay is attributed to the negligence of Kusheshwor Construction Pvt. Ltd., the contractor responsible for building the bridge between Himali Rural Municipality of Bajura and Khatyad Rural Municipality of Mugu. The company had signed an agreement in Mangsir 2079 BS to complete the bridge by Mangsir 2081 BS.

Previously, a bailey bridge was constructed at Jhogula, which continues to serve vehicles, including jeeps and tractors, traveling between Bajura and Mugu. Locals note that the completion of the concrete bridge would significantly ease transportation.

Contractor Jayaraj Ghale of Kusheshwor Construction Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, explained that delays were partly due to the government taking time to prepare the design estimate. He added that building a bridge over the Karnali River is particularly challenging due to seasonal water flow variations, with repairs taking three to four months if damage occurs during construction.

The project deadline has now been extended by one year, with work expected to be completed by Chaitra 2082 BS. Gobindra Bahadur Malla, Chairman of Himali Rural Municipality, highlighted that the bridge will greatly facilitate travel for locals from all nine districts of the Far West, benefiting traders and tourists.

The agreement stipulates the construction of a 105-meter-long concrete bridge for Rs 144.9 million. As of now, one pillar has been completed, and work on the second pillar has commenced, according to the Infrastructure Development Office, Mugu.