SATV 27 July 2025, Kathmandu: Construction of nine bridges along the much-discussed tri-national Karnali Corridor road project is yet to commence. 

Although contracts for these permanent bridges -- located in the Kalikot, Bajura and Humla sections -- were signed back on July 14, 2022, construction has not started yet, causing severe difficulties for vehicles and travellers.

Bel Bahadur Nepali, head of the Humla Road Division Office, stated that overseeing the construction of the bridges falls under the jurisdiction of both his office and the Road Division Office, Bajura. He expressed disappointment that no progress had been made so far. “It has already been three years since the contracts were awarded. The contractors have not even started the work,” said Nepali. 

He added that, according to the rules, contractors must get bridge designs approved before starting, but seven out of the nine bridges have no approved designs yet. There are now only three months left before the contract expires on October 16, 2025. 

Kalikot MP Mahendra Bahadur Shahi expressed frustration in Parliament on July 7, 2025, stating that construction of all nine bridges -- including three in Kalikot, Baddi Gad and Juddi in Bajura and Galfa Gad and Sallisalla in Humla -- has yet to begin. 

He criticised the government for celebrating temporary Bailey bridges while permanent solution remains ignored and also demanded increased funding for the Karnali Corridor.

After a flood in July 2019 swept away a Bailey bridge over the Phugad River in Kalikot, the road has remained impassable during the rainy season. Vikoi Construction, which had been awarded the contract to build permanent bridges over the Phugad, Sannigad and Rahagad rivers, has yet to get its designs approved, said Nepali. 

“The contractor must hire consultants to prepare the designs, which are then reviewed by road department officials. Corrections need to be made based on feedback, but delays happen when consultants are too busy or don’t allocate enough time,” said Shahi.

Hariram Koirala of Vikoi Construction, which received a contract worth Rs. 180 million for three bridges in Kalikot, claimed that delays in the road department’s design approval process have held up the work. Without a bridge over the Phugad River, commuters suffer a lot, especially during monsoon floods. The steel Bailey bridge and old suspension bridge, both destroyed in the 2019 flood, have not been replaced.

Mina Rawat BK, Deputy Chief of the District Coordination Committee and a local resident of Pachaaljharna, said people are forced to take long detours as they can’t cross the Phugad River. 

“I have had to take the long way home several times. Even though the government claims vehicles now reach Humla, the Corridor remains blocked at Phugad during the monsoon,” she said.

On Wednesday, Kalikot locals discussed the issue with Chief District Officer Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, saying the lack of a bridge has caused hardship for the locals. Bhattarai said he has informed the road division offices in Humla and Piluchaur, Bajura, to arrange temporary passage for travellers. He also promised to consult with the Director General of the Department of Roads to find a long-term solution. Travel along the Karnali Corridor becomes even more difficult during the monsoon due to lack of bridges.