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🇳🇵 Nepal /Energy & Infrastructure

Nepal's 'iconic' Narayani bridge project stalled by delays

From Kathmandu Post · (5m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Construction of Nepal's Narayani 'iconic' bridge, intended to be the country's first with two towers and cable systems, is significantly delayed, with only groundwork completed nearly two years after its foundation stone was laid.
  • The design was only approved in November 2024, over 18 months late, pushing back the original four-year completion timeline signed in May 2023.
  • Despite rising material and fuel costs, logistical challenges, and early pre-monsoon conditions, construction continues with financial progress at 7-8% and an estimated cost of Rs1.68 billion.

The Narayani 'iconic' bridge project, envisioned as a landmark infrastructure achievement for Nepal, is facing considerable delays, much to the frustration of those anticipating its completion. Nearly two years after the foundation stone was laid with much ceremony, the project remains mired in early groundwork, with visible progress falling far short of expectations.

Load-bearing capacity tests for the bridge pillars have been completed. Field-level testing is now over, and structural work will begin soon.

— Santosh BhandariSite engineer at the Bharatpur Division Road Office, providing an update on the bridge's progress.

The timeline has been severely impacted by a protracted design finalization process, which was only approved in November last year, a full 18 months behind schedule. This delay has cascaped into the construction phase, jeopardizing the original four-year completion target. While the contractor, Tundi Construction, reports that physical progress is not yet apparent, financial progress has reached 7-8%, with an estimated project cost of Rs1.68 billion.

While physical progress is not yet visible, various works are ongoing. Financial progress stands at around 7 to 8 percent.

— Manjeel MishraProject manager of Tundi Construction, commenting on the project's financial status despite lack of visible progress.

Despite these setbacks, including rising material costs and logistical hurdles, construction activities persist. Site engineer Santosh Bhandari of the Bharatpur Division Road Office assures that load-bearing capacity tests are complete and structural work is imminent. The bridge's unique design, featuring two main towers and cable systems, aims to be a symbol of Nepal's growing engineering capabilities, distinguishing it from existing structures like the Karnali bridge.

Prices of materials, from steel rods to fuel, have increased significantly. Supplies are not always available on time. The early onset of the pre-monsoon has also made work difficult, but we have not halted construction.

— Manjeel MishraProject manager of Tundi Construction, explaining the challenges faced during construction.

However, the persistent delays raise questions about project management and execution. For a nation striving to enhance its infrastructure and connectivity, such setbacks are more than just inconvenient; they represent missed opportunities for economic development and national pride. The 'iconic' nature of the bridge amplifies the public's expectations, making the current slow pace a significant concern for the Kathmandu Post readership.

Some have started calling it a ‘signature bridge’, but it is essentially an iconic bridge.

— Manjeel MishraProject manager of Tundi Construction, describing the bridge's significance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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