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Started 1 week ago · Updated 6 days ago

Asian Highway bridge construction in Nepal nears 40% completion amid broader project delays

Photo · english.makalukhabar.com

Construction of three major bridges under the Asian Highway in eastern Nepal, part of the Kakarbhitta–Laukahi road project, has reached approximately 40% physical completion. The bridges, utilizing modern steel arch technology, are progressing steadily, though the wider road expansion works face slower progress. The project, awarded to a joint venture including Covec, CRIGC, and China State Seventh Engineering Bureau, has a contract deadline of January 15, 2027, with potential for a five-month extension.

• The bridges are being constructed over the Ratuwa, Lohandra, and Bakraha Rivers, with the Ratuwa River bridge being the largest at 585 meters.
• Steel components are fabricated in Urlabari, Morang, and transported for assembly, a modular approach aiding progress during the monsoon.
• While Chinese technical teams handle steel work, Nepali partners are responsible for civil construction.
• The contract for the bridge component is valued at approximately Rs 5 billion.
• The broader road expansion project has been divided into multiple packages due to its scale.