Rasuwa: A total of 32 bridges will be constructed along the Galchhi-Syafru road section connecting Rasuwagadhi, an international trade gateway with China. The bridges will be completed within a year and a half. Currently, work is underway to upgrade the road from Galchhi to Syafru through Mailung including bridge construction.

At present, 16 bridges are being constructed along the road section. The Galchhi-Trishuli-Mailung-Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road project has stated that it is preparing to design, contract and sign agreements for the remaining 16 bridges within the current fiscal year 2020/21.

The construction of the first 16 bridges is about 55 percent complete. According to project chief Narayan Dutta Bhandari, the construction of the bridge will be completed within fiscal year 2021/22.

The road from Galchhi to Rasuwagadhi is being upgraded by dividing it into three sections. In the first and second sections, the Nepali side has to build bridges. “The designs of some bridges need to be reviewed,” he said, adding, “There is no problem in the construction of the rest of the bridges so far.” Kalika-Tundi Rasuwa JV and Anjana RD JV have been carrying out the construction of bridges on the Nepal side.

A separate budget has been allocated for 11 bridges to be constructed on Galchhi-Trishuli-Mailung-Syafrubesi road section. Budget for the remaining 21 bridges has been allocated under the ‘road’ title. According to the plan, three bridges will be constructed in an artistic way. Places like Battar, Bidur and Trishuli will have artistic bridges in the 3A Hydropower Project area. A flyover bridge will be constructed in the hydropower project area.

The scheme will upgrade the Galchhi-Mailung and Mailung-Syafru road sections. Of which 65 percent work has been completed so far. Under the first section, road blacktopping, mound slashing and other works are being carried out in the Galchhi-Mailung area.

The second section of the Mailung-Syafru road is being widened and drains are being built. The road widening work is also 65 percent complete. To reach Rasuwagadhi from Galchhi, one has to cover a distance of 82 kilometers.