Shivganga bridge in Dhangadhi still unbuilt after 9 years

Nine years after construction began on a bridge over the Shivganga river in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City-17 in Kailali, the bridge still has not been completed. The construction contract was signed with Pappu-Adventure JV on Asar 27, 2074. The bridge was estimated to cost about Rs 166.3 million, and although the contract was signed for about Rs 142.7 million, physical progress remains limited to around 30 percent.

With the bridge unbuilt, residents of Dhangadhi-16 and 17 as well as Rampur, Chaumala, Ambagaiya, Dhanga, Ghasita and Biunsaha have been affected. Some time ago, Ramprayari Chaudhary of Dhangadhi-17 had to carry her sick son on her back across the river to bring him to Dhangadhi for treatment. Sagar Chaudhary of Dhangadhi-15 crosses the river by placing his motorcycle on a raft. He said using the alternative route increases both time and cost.

According to Ramlal Chaudhary, ward chair of Dhangadhi-16, crossing the river and going via Jokhartal to reach Dhangadhi takes about 10 kilometers. Without the bridge, locals have had to take a roughly 42-kilometer detour via Attariya-Chaumala, or use the Hulaki highway via Beli. Since this is also the shortest route to Behadababa Dham, religious pilgrims have been affected as well.

Ward chair Chaudhary said that if the bridge is built, it will ease travel for both locals and pilgrims. Residents say crossing the river becomes especially dangerous when the water flow rises.