Himal Press 
JANAKPURDHAM: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising has said that the construction of the Kamala Bridge on the Hulaki Highway, which has remained incomplete for 14 years, will be expedited.
The bridge, which connects Siraha and Dhanusha, is considered important for the overall development of Madhesh Province.
“We will send a technical team to conduct a detailed inspection of the bridge. Based on its report, if the existing structure can be repaired, we will proceed with maintenance. The government has no shortage of funds. If necessary, we will rebuild it through a fresh tender process,” Ghising said after an on-site inspection of the bridge on Friday.
Stating that the bridge is crucial for the overall development of the Madhesh region, Ghising expressed commitment to expediting its construction. Ghising also said relevant authorities are investigating irregularities in bridge construction and added that those found responsible will face legal action.
While the bridge was under construction, floods in the Kamala River caused two pillars to subside and damaged four slabs. Of these, two have already been removed, while two still remain.
Experts have completed soil testing in the area and prepared a revised design, which has already been approved. However, work has stalled due to budget constraints and an insurance dispute involving the previous contractor.
Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta, Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Keshav Kumar Sharma, Director General of the Department of Roads Bijay Jaishi, among others, accompanied Ghising for the on-site inspection.
The contract to build the bridge was first awarded to Pappu Construction in 2011 for Rs 249.1 million with a construction deadline of December 2014. It has been extended eight times since then. The latest deadline expired in June last year.
The contractor has already received Rs 204.3 million (including VAT) from the implementing agency. The physical and financial progress of the project stands at 83% and 82%, respectively.
The project also includes 1,300 metres of river training work on both banks and construction of a 200-metre approach road.
