Sankattighat bridge on Karnali river 66 percent complete, set to open before monsoon

Kailali: Construction of the bridge at Sankattighat on the Karnali River, connecting Kailali and Bardiya, has progressed significantly, with 66 percent of the work completed. Krishna Dhungel, side in-charge of the construction company Rasuwa Construction, stated that the team is working to complete the bridge before the monsoon. “Our target is to complete it before the monsoon,” he said.

The bridge, funded by the Government of Nepal at a cost of 1.18 billion rupees, began construction on Baisakh 2, 2081, following the signing of the contract on Poush 17, 2079. According to the contract, the bridge is to be completed within four years after conducting a survey in the first year.

The 750-meter-long bridge features 14 pillars, all of which have been constructed. Dhungel noted that four spans on the eastern side of the bridge, out of thirteen, have been completed, while construction of two additional spans is underway. The bridge will have a width of 7.5 meters with footpaths on both sides for pedestrians.

Construction was temporarily affected due to delays in government payments, which had halted about 130 million rupees. However, Dhungel confirmed that payments are now being made on time. “There is no problem with payment like in the past. There are some other challenges, but we are addressing them as we move forward,” he said.

Locals currently rely on risky boat crossings between Tikapur in eastern Kailali and Geruwa Rural Municipality in Bardiya, with several fatalities reported over the years. The bridge is expected to improve safety, facilitate movement for farmers and traders, and enhance tourism access to Bardiya National Park and Tikapur Park.

The Sankattighat bridge is being developed as an alternative route to the Karnali Bridge in Chisapani and the Sattighat bridge on the Postal Highway, serving daily traffic, trade, and business in the Tikapur area, a key market for western Bardiya.

Once completed, the bridge will be the third connecting Kailali and Bardiya across the Karnali River. The Chisapani Karnali Bridge, built in 2050 BS, and the Sattighat Bridge, completed in 2073 BS by Rasuwa Construction Company ten months ahead of schedule, are already in operation.