Seven-Year Delay in Construction of Leduwa River Bridge, Deadlines Repeatedly Extended

The bridge under construction over the Leduwa River in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City–5 has not been completed even after five years. An agreement was signed on July 20, 2020, between the Koshi Province Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development and World Trade Construction Company. However, construction was halted after the contractor obtained an interim court order, forcing local residents to risk crossing the river on foot.

Seven years into the project, the bridge at Devi Village in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City–5 remains unfinished. Although the bridge should have been completed five years ago according to the agreement, the work remains stalled, compelling local residents and students to cross the river at their own risk during the rainy season. The agreement signed on July 20, 2020, between the Koshi Province Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development and World Trade Construction Company valued the project at NPR 12,186,813.

According to Ward Chairperson Manprasad Limbu of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City–5, pillars have been erected on both sides, but no further progress has been made. Approximately 40% of the work is completed, yet the pillars are now overgrown with shrubs. He stated, “Other structural works remain entirely unfinished.” Without the bridge, residents of Dharan–4 and 5 face difficulties commuting to the Dharan market. During the rainy season, floods force residents and students to cross the river at great personal risk.

It is also challenging to reach the hospital in case of illness. Limbu mentioned that although a temporary bamboo bridge is constructed, it is often washed away by floods. Local farmers face difficulties transporting their produce to the Dharan market, and students also struggle with commuting. Limbu added that flooding during exam periods in the rainy season can prevent students from crossing the river, leading to potential exam absences.