Ratuwa River Bridge Construction Over 50% Complete

Jhapa. In line with the Department of Roads' policy to develop large and long bridges on the East-West Highway as 'Landmark Bridges', attractive bridge construction is underway on the Ratuwa River in Jhapa.

Of the six large bridges being constructed on the 95-kilometer road section from Kakadvitta to Lauhipur, more than 50 percent of the construction work on the 585-meter-long Ratuwa bridge has been completed. Designed by the Korean consulting company 'Soseong', this bridge is based on the modern 'Arch Steel Truss' technology.

The total width of the bridge will be 16.5 meters, informed Jagat Prajapati, Project Chief of the Kakadvitta-Laukahi Road Project West Section. He added that it includes double lanes, service lanes, and footpaths, and long spans of 87 to 90 meters have been used to make the bridge artistic and strong. According to him, the 410 and 420 grade high-quality steel used in it has been imported from China.

To prepare the steel materials required for bridge construction, the construction entrepreneur has established a high-tech 'Fabrication Yard' in Urlabari, Morang. Computerized cutting and controlled welding work is being carried out using CNC machines in the yard. For the first time in Nepal, a galvanization tank of this large size has been constructed, and the work of making the bridge structures rust-proof (galvanization) is underway.

The three bridges on the Lohendra, Bakra, and Ratuwa rivers have been tendered as a single package. The total construction cost of these three bridges is approximately 5.5 billion rupees. In this project, being constructed by Kobec, CRGEC, and Tundi JV, the steel work is being done by Chinese technicians, and the PSC girder work is being done by the Nepali construction company Tundi. As per the contract, the bridge construction must be completed by February 2, 2027.

Prajapati stated that although there were some problems due to road blockages during the monsoon for transporting steel from China, other technical and coordination tasks are proceeding smoothly. Coordination tasks, including the relocation of electric wires, have been completed. 

This bridge, estimated to have a lifespan of about 80 years, is claimed by technicians to be able to easily handle the vehicle load for the next 50 years. Prajapati expressed confidence that with the completion of this new structure as an alternative to the current approximately 50-year-old bridge in use, transportation on the East-West Highway will become more convenient and safer.