Bajura's Barjugad bridge, 10 years in the making, still not operational

The concrete bridge built over the Barjugad River under the Betalmadau-Delta road in Bajura has not become operational months after construction was completed.

The bridge, which connects Khaptad Chhededah Rural Municipality-3 and Budhiganga Municipality-4, was supposed to be built in two years but took 10.

In 2073 BS, the then District Development Committee signed a contract worth around Rs 22.9 million to complete the bridge within two years.

According to local resident Ram Bahadur Rawat, without the bridge, students, patients and locals going about daily work had to risk crossing the river during the monsoon.

Although walking across is now easier, the problem of vehicle movement remains unchanged because the bridge has not opened for traffic. Locals, who had hoped for convenient transport once the bridge was built, are still facing the old problem, he said.