Key Takeaways:

• Contracts for two stalled bridge projects in Bajura have been cancelled
• Construction never began despite contracts being awarded around five years ago
• Court ruling cleared the way for authorities to restart procurement
• Bridges are considered vital for transport, monsoon mobility and access to Badimalika area

BAJURA, NOVEMBER 2 Authorities have cancelled contracts for two long-delayed bridge projects in Bajura that remained stalled for years without construction beginning, paving the way for fresh procurement and renewed efforts to improve transport connectivity in the district. The projects include the proposed Maure Bridge over the Budhiganga River, linking Budhiganga and Triveni municipalities, and a second bridge over the Thulisanghu stream along the Martadi-Ghatmuna road section near the district headquarters. Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal said the ministry had initiated a new process through the Nepal Infrastructure Company to move both projects forward after the earlier contracts failed to deliver any progress. The contracts were awarded about five years ago and were originally scheduled for completion within three years. However, construction never began, leading authorities to terminate the agreements and begin fresh procedures.

The Maure Bridge contract was signed in January 2022 between the Mahakali Bridge Project Office and Kathmandu-based Bikoi Builders Pvt Ltd for Rs 162.17 million. The bridge was scheduled for completion by March 2025. After the contractor failed to start construction, the contract was cancelled and a recommendation was made to blacklist the company. The dispute later reached court, but officials said a ruling in July 2026 upheld the project office's decision, clearing the way for the project to proceed. Local leaders say the delay has imposed significant hardship on residents. Triveni Municipality Mayor Karna Bahadur Thapa said transportation between communities is severely disrupted during the monsoon because there is no bridge across the Budhiganga River. 'The Maure bridge will not only connect Budhiganga and Triveni municipalities but will also serve as an important gateway to the Badimalika area,' he said. The second bridge, planned over the Thulisanghu stream in Badimalika Municipality, was included under the same contract package. It was intended to be a 30-metre-long concrete bridge that would improve connectivity along the Martadi-Ghatmuna corridor. Residents of Gaumul and Badimalika municipalities and Khaptad Chhededaha Rural Municipality have long faced difficulties crossing the stream during the rainy season because of the absence of permanent infrastructure. Officials said engineers have already conducted site inspections as part of preparations to relaunch the projects. Authorities hope the fresh procurement process will finally deliver the bridges after years of delay and repeated disruption to transportation and public mobility.