Khotang, February 13

Cable connection of the under-construction bridge over the Dudhkoshi River at Jayaramghat has been left in a lurch after Chinese technicians didn’t return for long in Khotang.

Chinese technicians working on the project had left for their homeland to celebrate Chinese New Year after completion of the bridge’s cat-way. The bridge is being constructed at the confluence of Khotang and Okhaldhunga, however, installation of its main cable connection has yet to begin though more than four years have passed after the deadline.

Site engineer Sita Ram Karki of contractor company Kalika Construction said the project was slated to be completed four years ago. According to sources, the contractors have not brought the cables yet. “The construction work will not progress until the contractors manage the cables and other necessary equipment,” said Surendra Rai, a local and CPN-UML Constituency No 1 chairperson.

“The contractor company is required to bring 38 main cables from Simara, but it has not transported any cable and steel truss yet. Hence, construction has been delayed for long due to technicians’ absence and the lack of cables,” said Rai. The bridge at Jayaramghat is the main trade hub for Khotang’s Bahunidanda and Okhaldhunga’s Thake VDCs.

Several developmental projects of the districts have been affected as the bridge construction has been left in limbo. “After the technicians start connecting the cable, we will manage truss and start finishing,” said Karki.

Meanwhile, Road Division Office Harkapur, Okhaldhunga said Kalika company was entrusted with the construction work and Hulas Construction was entrusted with steel related work of the 150-metre bridge. The bridge is estimated to cost Rs 100 million.