Construction Progresses on Stunning Steel Arch Bridge over Ratuwa River (Photos/Videos)
News Summary
Prepared after review.
- More than half of the construction of the visually striking steel arch bridge over the Ratuwa River on the Jhapa section of the East-West Mahendra Highway has been completed.
- Similar arch bridges are also under construction on the Kakarvitta–Laukahi road project at Bakraha and Lohandra rivers in Morang.
- The Chinese JV company awarded the contract worth 5 billion NPR aims to complete construction of all three bridges by February 2027.
June 7, Biratnagar – Construction is underway on an eye-catching steel arch bridge over the Ratuwa River located in the Jhapa section of the East-West Mahendra Highway.
Situated between Damak Municipality and Kamal Rural Municipality along the Asian Highway corridor, about half of the bridge’s construction has been completed.
According to Jagat Prajapati, project head of the Kakarvitta–Laukahi (Western section) road project, similar arch bridges are also being constructed over the Bakraha and Lohandra rivers in Morang.
He explained that this bridge’s design will be distinct from conventional bridges and will be highly attractive. These kinds of bridges also have strong appeal from a tourism perspective.
Only 50–55 percent of work on the Ratuwa River bridge has been completed so far, while progress on the three bridges including Lohandra and Bakraha stands at around 40 percent, he added.
The plan calls for building a 585-meter long bridge over the Ratuwa River. The approach sections will consist of concrete structures, while the central span will be made of steel.
Meanwhile, a 385-meter bridge is under construction over the Lohandra River, and a 318-meter structure over the Bakraha River.
The construction contract for all three bridges has been awarded to the joint venture of Covec–CRIC–China State Seventh for 5 billion Nepalese rupees.
Contract signing took place on February 12, 2024, with a construction period scheduled until February 1, 2027. The target is to complete two of the three bridges, excluding the Bakraha bridge, within the contract period.
Work on the steel arch section of the Ratuwa bridge is progressing rapidly, with the majority of steel-related construction now finished, according to project officials.
Of the total 585 meters, 264 meters will be steel arch spans, and the remainder will be concrete. The bridge will feature three spans in total. Once completed, the bridge will enhance Damak’s attraction significantly.
