Bara, February 23

Most of the bridges along the east-west highway are in a dilapidated condition due to lack of timely repairs in Bara. Some bridges are even on the verge of collapse and need immediate attention.

The busiest Bridge No 3 in Amlekhgunj has tilted so much that only one-way vehicular movement is allowed. To make matters worse, the bridge is riddled with potholes increasing the possibility of accidents.

A pillar of Dudhaura Bridge along the Pathlaiya-Nijgadh stretch collapsed last monsoon. Since repair of the bridge is likely to take some time, a diversion has been created to allow the vehicular movement. A source at the Department of Roads said tender process had been initiated to upgrade the bridge to four lanes.

Similarly, a bridge over the Bakaiya River at Bara’s Nijgadh is on the verge of collapse. Haphazard excavation of sand and stones from the river has put the bridge at risk. Locals have appealed to the Road Division Office to repair it, but to no avail.

Chief at Central Regional Traffic Office, Pathlaiya, SP Surendra Mainali said the dilapidated bridges should be made before the start of the monsoon season.

Tarai Transport Entrepreneurs’ Union General Secretary Shankar Kumar Bista said dilapidated bridges had increased the risk of accidents. Bridges at Balganga, Pasaha, Bakaiya, Chaudhkilo are in urgent need of repair.

Regional Road Division Office, Hetauda, however, is apathetic towards the sorry state of the bridges. There are around 50 bridges along the east-west highway in the district.