Key Takeaways:

• Bridge at Ghatmuna meant to connect Gaumul with Badimalika and Bajhang
• Contract signed in April 2022 with AR Chand Group JV; no work started
• Contractor received Rs 3.5m advance, missed two-year deadline plus extension
• Other projects stalled: Martadi–Gaumul road blacktopping and Bahuli stream bridge

BAJURA, AUGUST 2 A Rs 40.12 million bridge project over the Budhiganga River in Bajura has failed to begin despite four years having passed since the contract was awarded, raising fresh concerns over delays in public infrastructure projects. The permanent bridge at Ghatmuna, expected to connect Gaumul Rural Municipality with Badimalika Municipality and improve road access to neighbouring Bajhang district, remains stalled even after the completion deadline was extended. According to Gaumul Rural Municipality Chair Hari Bahadur Rokaya, the construction agreement was signed in April 2022, but no physical work has been carried out. The Local Infrastructure Development Project Office in Dhangadhi had awarded the contract to AR Chand Group JV of Kanchanpur for Rs 40.12 million, against an estimated project cost of Rs 74.84 million. The contractor also received an advance payment of Rs 3.5 million, with a commitment to complete the bridge within two years. Although the deadline was later extended by one year, officials said the contractor's failure to maintain contact has prevented work from moving forward. The bridge is expected to transform connectivity for Gaumul, whose residents currently cross two rivers to reach the district headquarters, Martadi, about 12 kilometres away. It is also expected to provide a shorter road link between Bajura and Bajhang. Locals said delays are not limited to the bridge project. Blacktopping of six kilometres of the Martadi–Gaumul road has also stalled, while another planned bridge over the Bahuli stream near Martadi has yet to get off the ground. Residents say prolonged delays in implementing contracted infrastructure projects are undermining connectivity, economic activity and public confidence in development works across the district.