Demands for Accelerated Progress as Chief Minister Receives Memorandum for New Kamala River Bridge Construction
The Struggle Committee has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Madhesh Province urging immediate advancement of the new bridge construction over the Kamala River. The committee has threatened protests, citing the failure to implement the agreement reached on 7 Bhadra 2081 between the Madhesh Province government and the committee. Chief Minister Yadav stated that coordination with the federal government and ensuring funding are necessary for progress.
Kathmandu, 10 Baisakh — The Struggle Committee for the Construction of the New Kamala Bridge urged the Madhesh Province Chief Minister to expedite the project, submitting a memorandum on Thursday. The committee warned of agitation if the construction does not begin promptly, referencing the unfulfilled agreement made on 7 Bhadra 2081 between the Madhesh Province government and the committee.
Despite nearly two years passing, the committee alleges delays in implementing the agreement and accuses authorities of misleading the public. They noted that even as the fiscal year 2082/83 is coming to a close, the contract procedure for the new bridge has yet to be initiated. The existing bridge is in a dilapidated state and maintenance efforts have been ineffective. The memorandum states that if the contracting process does not commence within seven days, the committee will initiate protest actions such as hunger strikes, road blockades, and demonstrations.
Responding to the memorandum, Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav acknowledged the gravity of the issue. He recognized the existing bridge as a lifeline of Madhesh that has been in poor condition for 15 years and emphasized the necessity of its reconstruction. He explained, “This route falls under the postal road and hence is under federal jurisdiction; we are coordinating with the federal government. Although the current year’s Red Book allocated NPR 10 million, that amount is insufficient for bridge construction, which is estimated to cost more than NPR 2 billion.”
According to Chief Minister Yadav, securing funding is essential, and discussions with the federal government are ongoing. He appealed to the Struggle Committee to remain patient and support the government’s efforts. He also noted that the current bridge’s design is flawed and that the provincial government is committed to making necessary improvements to fully integrate it with the postal road network.
