Minister Ghising inspects long-delayed Kankai bridge in Jhapa, Promises immediate action after 14 years of stagnation

KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Kulman Ghising on Sunday conducted an on-site inspection of the Kankai Bridge in Jhapa, which has remained incomplete and abandoned for over 14 years.

The 723-meter-long concrete bridge, located along the Hulaki Highway and connecting Jhapa Rural Municipality-2 and Gaurigunj Rural Municipality-1, was awarded to Pappu-Mahadev Khimti Joint Venture (JV) in fiscal year 2067/68 BS (2010/11 AD) under the design and build model for a contract value of Rs 510 million. However, after more than a decade, the project’s physical and financial progress remains stuck at just 55 percent, raising serious concerns about accountability and project management.

During the field visit, Minister Ghising was briefed on the project’s progress and held discussions with local representatives and technical officials. Expressing dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay, he vowed to conduct a detailed review and make a firm decision soon.

“The bridge has been left incomplete for far too long. We will soon decide whether to terminate the existing contract and proceed with a new process or take other corrective measures. This is a strategically important bridge directly linked to the livelihoods of locals — we cannot afford further delay,” Minister Ghising said.

Local residents informed the minister that the incomplete bridge has caused severe inconvenience in daily travel, trade, and tourism promotion. They urged the government to expedite construction to restore economic activity in the region.

According to the Hulaki Highway Project Office, Itahari, out of the 19 spans, only 8 have been completed, while 2 spans have girders installed and 6 foundations have been laid. Construction of 3 remaining foundations has not yet begun.

Project chief Yubaraj Pokharel stated that the contractor continued limited work until 2019 (2076 BS), but construction was later halted after technical faults were detected. A subsequent technical audit confirmed errors, and minor rectification was done before the contract period expired in 2080 BS (2023/24 AD). The contractor has since applied for a deadline extension under the recently amended Public Procurement Regulation.

Minister Ghising also inspected the Kankai Sanomai Khola Bridge, which was severely damaged by continuous rainfall on October 4–5 (Aswin 18–19). The bridge partially collapsed due to flooding. The minister instructed concerned agencies to conduct a technical assessment and take immediate necessary action.

Minister Ghising was accompanied by Physical Infrastructure and Transport Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma, Home Secretary Rameshwar Dangal, Director General of the Department of Roads Vijay Jaishi, and Jhapa Chief District Officer Gopal Kumar Adhikari during the inspection visit.

Officials from the ministry confirmed that a comprehensive report on the Kankai Bridge will be prepared within weeks, after which a final decision regarding contract termination, renewal, or re-tendering will be taken to ensure timely completion of the long-delayed project.