Kathmandu, October 11:

The construction of overhead bridges in four junctions in Kathmandu, which has remained stalled since 2004, is likely to resume after Dashain.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and Innovative Concepts Pvt Ltd (IC), a private construction company, had initiated the construction work in 2000. They were supposed to construct overhead bridges in Ratna Park, Bhadrakali, Kalanki, Kalimati, Baneshwor and Koteshwor in three years. However, they have been able to construct only two overhead bridges — one at Bhadrakali and another at the Ratna Park.

Paras Mani Baral, executive director of the IC, said a number of hindrances, including haphazardly-laid electricity and telephone wires and a road extension project, delayed the construction of the bridges. The construction has come to a halt since 2004.

Ironically, the KMC sent a letter to the Road Division Office today, requesting its cooperation for the construction of the bridges. “Problems will be sorted out simultaneously with the progress in construction work,” said Baral.

Bhairab Bogati, chief, Physical Infrastructure Division, KMC, said, “The KMC is holding talks

with bodies concerned to sort out problems that have brought the construction work to a halt. The construction work will resume soon.”

Baral said construction work will begin once the authorities concerned are ready to coordinate with them. “It is highly likely that the work will resume immediately after Dashain.”

After the construction, the bridges will be given to the IC on lease for 20 years. The KMC will be paid Rs 1.2 lakh per annum. The KMC will own the bridges after 20 years. Baral criticised the KMC for failing to sort out issues that have plagued a road construction project. “We have learnt that the Department of Roads is going to extend the road at the Kalanki Chowk,” he said, adding, “It will be a waste of money if we begin constructing the bridges

without knowing the length of the road being extended because after the extension of the road, the bridge will have to be rebuilt, which will be very costly.”