Asian Highway bridge megaproject accelerates in eastern Nepal corridor

KATHMANDU: Construction of three major bridges under the Asian Highway in eastern Nepal is advancing rapidly, with engineers reporting steady progress despite ongoing challenges in the broader road expansion works.

The bridges are part of the Kakarbhitta–Laukahi road improvement project, stretching 95 kilometers from Kakarbhitta to Laukahi. Officials say the bridge component of the project has reached around 40% physical completion.

Project chief Jagat Prajapati said construction is currently focused on three large river crossings over the Ratuwa River, Lohandra River, and Bakraha River, all of which are being built using modern steel arch technology designed for both durability and aesthetics.

The largest structure, a 585-meter “signature” bridge over the Ratuwa River, combines 264 meters of steel arch spans with reinforced concrete sections across three spans.

The Lohandra River bridge spans 385 meters with two 80-meter steel segments, while the Bakraha River bridge extends 318 meters with a two-span configuration.

The contract—worth approximately Rs 5 billion—has been awarded to a joint venture of Covec, CRIGC, and China State Seventh Engineering Bureau.

While Chinese technical teams are handling steel fabrication and installation, Nepali partners are responsible for civil construction works.

Steel components are being fabricated in a dedicated facility in Urlabari, Morang, before being transported to the site for assembly and installation. Officials say this modular approach is helping maintain progress even during the monsoon season.

Despite strong momentum on bridge construction, the wider road expansion works along the corridor have progressed more slowly.

Authorities have divided the entire project into multiple packages to manage the scale of development.

The contract deadline is set for Jan 15, 2027 (Magh 1, 2083 BS), though officials acknowledge that technical complexities could extend completion by up to five additional months.

“We are working continuously on-site with engineers and technical teams to ensure timely completion,” said project chief Prajapati. “However, due to technical requirements, a short extension may be necessary.”

Work is currently prioritized on the Ratuwa bridge, where steel arch installation is nearing completion, with remaining concrete works underway. Once completed, focus will shift to accelerating construction on the Lohandra and Bakraha bridges.