Dhalkebar, May 2: Construction of bridges is in progress at various locations in Dhanusha and Mahottari districts to facilitate smoother movement. The Road Division Office, Janakpur, responsible for overseeing projects in both districts, is currently overseeing the construction of 39 bridges.

Engineer Bikas Jha from the Road Division Office, Janakpur has provided an update on the progress, stating that work was underway on all 39 bridges within their jurisdiction. Of these, six are slated for completion within the current fiscal year. However, progress on three bridges has been halted due to border disputes with India. Additionally, two bridges are entangled with land disputes, and plans for four others require adjustments to their mapping, resulting in delays.

Engineer Jha clarified that no new bridge contracts have been awarded this fiscal year, as all planned projects were initiated in previous years. He further noted that 90 to 95 per cent of the bridges slated for completion this fiscal year were already open to traffic, with remaining tasks expected to conclude soon. 

“The work has been progressed diligently to complete the construction of the bridge on time,” said Engineer Jha. “Most of the bridge foundations are being raised, and slab slope work is going on. After the construction of the bridge, it will be easier for people to move around,” he said.

Addressing the long-standing issue of the Basahi River bridge in Mithila Municipality-6, along the Dhalkebar-Janakpur six-lane road, which has faced a three-year standstill, Engineer Jha revealed plans to terminate the contract with the current contractor.

The contract, awarded to Nagaarjun JV Construction in the fiscal year 2018/19 with a two-year completion timeline, has faced setbacks. Due to the non-completion of the bridge within the stipulated period, an extension was granted until the end of June 2023, as per Engineer Jha’s statement.