Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: A partially constructed motorable bridge over the Tamakoshi River in Kunauri, Manthali Municipality-6, collapsed on Sunday afternoon, reigniting concerns over substandard construction practices and prompting demands for a thorough investigation. The bridge, intended to connect Manthali’s Kunauri to Bhatauli in Ward No. 7, had already suffered a partial collapse two months ago, raising serious questions about its structural integrity and the quality of materials used.
The 230-meter-long, 11-meter-wide bridge, featuring four spans, is being built under a Rs 225.5 million contract awarded by the Department of Roads in the fiscal year 2020/21. Local resident Lekhanath Dzungel reported that the previously damaged span, which was under repair following a technical report deeming it salvageable, completely collapsed on Sunday, falling from its pillars to the riverbed below. Former Ward Chairman of Manthali-7, Sudarshan Prasai, confirmed the incident, noting that the collapse drew crowds of concerned locals to the site.
The bridge, slated for completion by September 2025, has already seen over 60% of the contract amount disbursed to the construction company. Critics, including Dzungel, allege that substandard materials or other negligence may be responsible for the repeated failures, demanding a probe into the project’s execution. The collapse has left residents worried about delays in a critical infrastructure project meant to serve as an alternative route connecting Manthali to three local municipalities and facilitating shorter travel to Kathmandu via the Manthali-Khurkot road.
Once completed, the bridge was expected to link Manthali to Sindhuli’s Sunkoshi Rural Municipality via Pakarbas, Goganpani, and Sitkha, easing regional connectivity. However, Sunday’s incident has dashed hopes for timely access, with locals fearing further setbacks. The Department of Roads has yet to issue a statement, but pressure is mounting for accountability and a detailed investigation into the project’s failures.
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