The bridge being constructed at Lamsuwaghat on the Arun River connecting Bhojpur and Sankhuwasabha from the northern region has remained in limbo for the past 14 years.

The construction of the bridge has been halted after spending about Rs 40 million on it. The bridge construction was stopped after building the base for six pillars for the structure, said Suman Bisunke, the Ward Chairman of Khadananda Municipality-6.

"The construction of the bridge has been stuck for 14 years. Construction works have been stopped after spending Rs 40 million. The locals would be benefited if this bridge were built, on time," Bisunke, the Ward Chair, said.

Works had been started for the construction of a 172 metres long bridge at Lamsuwaghat. Sitaram Lamsal, a local of Khadananda-6, said that the government should pay attention to complete the bridge which was stuck during the construction.

According to him, there is a problem in movement and transportation due to lack of a cement and concrete bridge.

"The Lamsuwaghat concrete bridge remains incomplete. We are disappointed as our hope of a bridge being constructed at our place was dashed. The State needs to pay attention to the construction of this bridge," Lamsal added.

The construction company had started the construction of the bridge in 2067 BS. As per the agreement, the bridge was supposed to be completed in 2070 BS.

However, the Road Division Office, Tumlingtar cancelled the contract after the construction company delayed the work, said Subhanjan Dahal, Head of the Road Division Office, Tumlingtar.

After this, the contractor company filed a case against the Office and the court decided the case in favour of the Office. Even after this court decision, the contractor company again filed a writ against the Office demanding compensation and the court approved the writ.

Office Head Dahal said that they are in the process of settling the case through mediation and hence the halt in the bridge construction. According to him, construction works would be started only after the compensation issue with the contractor company is settled.