Birendranagar Municipality Constructs Pedestrian Overpass at Mangalgadi Chowk

Surkhet. A pedestrian overpass is being constructed at Mangalgadi, the main intersection in Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province. The project is being executed by the Birendranagar Municipality.

Mayor Mohanmaya Dhakal stated that the overpass project was initiated to facilitate easier pedestrian movement and reduce traffic accidents.

Mangalgadi is the busiest intersection in Birendranagar. With the recent surge in vehicle numbers, pedestrians have been facing significant difficulties crossing the road. The municipality launched this initiative to mitigate the rising risk of accidents and pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Previously, the provincial government had also included this project in its policy and programs.

Birendranagar Municipality is funding the construction with an investment of 15.986 million rupees.

The contract for the construction has been awarded to Ajod Construction Company, Kathmandu. The company began work in the month of Poush and is aiming to complete the project by the end of Jestha.

Municipal Engineer Ishwari Dhakal reported that 50 percent of the work has been completed so far. 'Half of the work is finished, and the ground-level structural work is complete,' he said.

Mangalgadi features a four-lane road and remains highly congested as it serves as a main artery connecting Dhuliabit, Subbakuna, and Bangesimal along the Ratna Highway.

Dhakal believes that once the bridge is completed, it will ease traffic flow and eliminate the hardships currently faced by pedestrians.

Birendranagar has prioritized this as a municipal pride project.

The overpass will stand 6 meters above the road with a width of 17 meters, featuring two lanes for pedestrian access.

The municipality's future plans include constructing another overpass on the road leading to the bus park.