Khotang, January 31

The construction work of the Gaighat-Diktel road section along Sagarmatha Lokmarga could not gain momentum owing to delay in the construction of a bridge over Sunkoshi River on the border of Udayapur and Khotang districts.

Construction of the road section started 25 years ago, but the only work done so far has been the opening of the track, placement of gravel and blacktopping in some places. The contracting company had aimed to complete the road within five years, but only 60 per cent work has been over till date.

Construction of the road has been affected due to lack of bridge over the Sunkoshi River. Project Engineer Bishwo Limbu at Mainachuli Khampachho, Jayanarayan Pawan JV, said the road construction got delayed due to lack of bridge. He said they could not carry out the construction for seven years due to the same reason. “The road construction would not pick up pace until the bridge over the Sunkoshi River was constructed,” he added.

Gauri Parbati Construction Company has signed a contract for construction of the bridge. But the company has yet to start work. The company had to complete the bridge 11 months ago.

Limbu said it was very difficult to accomplish the work because the different contractors had bagged the bridge construction and road construction works.