Construction of Karnali River Bridge Nearing Completion, Set to Boost Connectivity Between Kailali and Bardiya

Tikapur. The construction of a bridge over the Karnali River at Sanakatti Ghat, connecting Kailali and Bardiya districts, has reached its final stages.

Although the agreement between the Government of Nepal and the construction company stipulated a completion date of Ashoj 17, 2083, project engineer Dhirendra Sahani stated that work is progressing with the goal of finishing ahead of schedule. "We signed the contract in Poush 2079 and began construction in 2080 after the survey," he said. "Even though the deadline is in Ashoj, we are working to complete and hand over the project by the end of Ashar. The work will be finished before the contract date."

All 14 pillars of the bridge have been completed, and work is currently underway on the 12th span. The team plans to complete this section within 15 days before starting the 13th span. Simultaneously, embankment construction on the Kailali side is also progressing.

With the project nearing completion, locals have begun using the bridge and riverbed paths to cross. The diversion of the river has eliminated the previous reliance on boats. Bharat BK from Tikapur noted the convenience of using his own vehicle to cross, stating, "The burden of paying for boat crossings is gone. Once completed, this bridge will bring great relief to the citizens of Kailali and Bardiya."

Another local, Janak Bahadur Bista, added that travel has become much easier. "Many of us have farmland in Bardiya and need to travel regularly," he said. "It was very difficult before, but now crossing is becoming seamless."

Residents of Kailali often have farmland in Bardiya, while Bardiya residents frequently visit Tikapur for shopping and medical care. Local resident Jhapat Kathayat highlighted the bridge's significance in connecting not just two districts, but the Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces. "Because boat travel was risky, we had to take a long detour via the Satti bridge," he said. "Now, the travel distance to Bardiya will be reduced by about 20 kilometers."

Karan Chaudhary from Geruwa Rural Municipality-1, Bardiya, also noted the improved accessibility. "Previously, a one-way trip took one and a half to two hours; now, it can be done in one hour," he said. "It will be even better once the bridge is fully operational."

The bridge, being built at a cost of 1.18 billion rupees, is 752 meters long and 11 meters wide, featuring 7.5 meters for vehicles and sidewalks on both sides for pedestrians.

The construction company signed the contract on Poush 17, 2079, with a target completion date of Ashoj 17, 2083. The project also includes 500 meters of access roads and approximately 1,015 meters of river training works.

Previously, residents relied on the Karnali bridge at Chisapani and the Satti Ghat bridge on the Hulaki Highway. Once the Sanakatti Ghat bridge is complete, it will be the third bridge connecting Kailali and Bardiya over the Karnali River, joining the Chisapani bridge built in 2050 and the Satti Ghat bridge connecting Tikapur and Rajapur built in 2073.

With the project in its final phase, locals have urged the relevant authorities to ensure full operation soon to facilitate traffic before the monsoon season.