KATHMANDU, MAY 12 Construction of several bridges along the Bheri Corridor road project remains stalled for years, even as significant progress has been made in road development along the Jajarkot–Dolpa section. The 118-kilometre road track, opened by the Nepali Army in 2019 and later handed over to the Road Division Office in Chaurjahari, has seen around 56 kilometres of blacktopping reach the final stage. However, construction of multiple bridges along the same stretch has yet to begin or remains incomplete. Although the National Planning Commission has approved the construction of 14 bridges along the remaining 62-kilometre section from Nalgaad in Jajarkot to Dunai in Dolpa, five bridges contracted nearly six years ago are still in limbo. Project officials say delays in implementation have drawn criticism from local stakeholders. According to Project Chief Naresh Kesari, preparations are underway to reassign construction responsibilities for three of the stalled bridges, while negotiations are ongoing for the remaining two. The bridges, considered lifelines of the corridor, are crucial for ensuring year-round connectivity. Contracts for several bridges, including those at Nalgaad River and other locations in Jajarkot, were awarded in 2021, but progress has remained minimal. While construction has begun on some bridges, including those at Tallu and Chhalgaad, others such as Khadang remain delayed due to disputes. The Bheri Corridor, spanning 310 kilometres from Surkhet to Marim near the Nepal-China border, is viewed as a strategic route linking India, Nepal and China. Road construction has currently progressed up to Tallu in Jajarkot, while vehicles already operate up to Dunai using a combination of blacktopped and earthen roads. Despite improved access, delays in bridge construction continue to hinder smooth transportation. Locals and officials stress that completing bridge infrastructure is essential to fully operationalise the corridor. Meanwhile, progress on the Dunai–Lasikyap section in Dolpa has also been slow, affecting further expansion toward the northern border. Authorities have recently accelerated road-cutting works in the upper Dolpa region, where the Nepali Army has completed around 40 kilometres of track. Officials say timely completion of the lower sections is critical to advancing construction in the upper stretches, which remain inaccessible due to logistical challenges. The corridor is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity, tourism and trade, particularly in Karnali Province. However, persistent delays in key infrastructure components continue to pose challenges to its full realization. (With inputs from RSS)