Chitwan: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, has issued a stern warning regarding the Ghumaune Bridge project, emphasizing that the contract for the bridge connecting Aabukhaireni rural municipality-5 in Tanahu and Bharatpur metropolitan city-29 in Chitwan will be terminated if construction does not resume within the next month.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Ghising made these remarks during an inspection of the project site. He directed the contractor to restart construction immediately, stressing the national importance of the long-delayed bridge. Ghising highlighted that the project has even caught the attention of the President, underscoring the urgency of its completion. He stated clearly, “The Ghumaune Bridge must be completed at any cost. Even the President has shown concern over this project. Do the work; otherwise, say no.”
The construction of the bridge commenced 11 years ago but has seen minimal progress, with only the pillars on both sides completed. The initial contract was awarded to Mrit Sanjiwoni Nirman Sewa Private Limited, Hetauda in 2070 BS and subsequently re-awarded in 2075 BS. The Road Division Office reports that the overall physical progress is approximately 50 percent. The bridge, as per the contract, is designed to be 105 meters long and 11 meters wide, including footpaths, with a total project cost of Rs 95.6 million.
Once completed, the motorable bridge at Ghumaune on the Buddhasingh Marg will serve as the shortest route connecting Gandaki Province with Narayangadh in Chitwan. It is expected to reduce the travel distance from Pokhara and Damauli to Narayangadh by 23 kilometers compared to the current Mugling-Narayangadh road.