PM to inaugurate Saptakoshi bridge

GAIGHAT: The bridge being constructed over Saptakoshi River is all set to come into operation in three weeks.

Construction of the truss bridge joining Chatara of Sunsari to Mainamaini of Udayapur had started 21 months ago, with a loan of around 720 million rupees from Asian Development Bank.

“As all work except painting and installation of railings is over, we hope to inaugurate the bridge in three weeks’ time,” said Chhatra Bahadur Aryal, project manager of the contractor company CTCE Joint Venture Kalika Construction Pvt Ltd.

The two-lane bridge with a span of 261 metres is due to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.

The new bridge, which could also be an alternative to Koshi Barrage Bridge, has relieved people living on either side of the river.

About seven years ago, after Koshi River burst its embankment and swept away the road, vehicular movement on the East-West Highway had been obstructed for nearly nine months. Since then, concerned authorities have been calling for an alternative bridge over the Koshi River.