Lahan, Nov 21: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, has pledged to expedite the construction of the Kamala River bridge, a vital link between Siraha and Dhanusha along the Postal Road.
Although the contract for the bridge was awarded nearly 14 years ago, the project remains incomplete. Responding to long-standing complaints from local residents about the resulting hardships, Minister Ghising conducted an on-site inspection today.
“I have heard many times about the Kamala Bridge, which is the lifeline of this region and of Madhesh as a whole. Without its completion, overall development in this area is not possible,” the Minister said during the inspection.
Minister Ghising was accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta, Physical Infrastructure Ministry Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma, Director General of the Department of Roads Bijay Jaishi, the Director of the Postal Highway Directorate, Janakpur Planning Office Head Krishna Kumar Mahto, and Gen-Z leaders Sudan Gurung, Shiva Yadav, Purushottam Yadav, among others.
An agreement had been reached in May 2011 with Pappu Lumbini JV to construct the bridge at a cost of Rs 249.1 million. Scheduled for completion by December 2014, the project remains unfinished and is now undergoing its ninth contract extension.
The 469-metre-long bridge has so far recorded 83 percent physical progress and 82 percent financial progress.
Minister Ghising stated that the authorities are investigating irregularities related to previous bridge construction works, adding that those found guilty will face legal action.
Meanwhile, speaking to journalists in Janakpurdham today, Minister Ghising reaffirmed that the House of Representatives elections would be held on the scheduled date.
He urged the public to remain confident that the election will take place on March 5, 2026, noting that the government is committed and actively preparing, that the election environment is gradually being strengthened, and that public enthusiasm is growing. #nepal #kulman #kamala
