Seven-year-delayed leduwa bridge leaves locals struggling in Dharan

KATHMANDU: A long-delayed bridge project over the Leduwa Khola in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City–5, Sunsari, has remained incomplete even after seven years, forcing locals and students to risk their lives while crossing the river, especially during the monsoon season.

The bridge, located in Devi Gaun over the Leduwa Khola, was expected to ease connectivity between wards 4 and 5 of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City.

However, despite repeated deadlines, construction has stalled at an early stage.

According to official records, a contract was signed on 19 July 2020 between the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development of Koshi Province and World Trade Construction Company for a project worth Rs 1,21,86,813.

The agreement required completion by 22 July, 2021.

Ward Chairperson Man Prasad Limbu said that although pillars were erected on both sides of the river and around 40 percent of the work was initially completed, construction has since come to a complete halt. “Even the pillars are now covered in bushes. No structural work has progressed,” he said.

Locals report severe difficulties, especially during the rainy season when floods make the river dangerous to cross.

Residents and students are often forced to risk their lives or wait for hours along the riverbank.

Temporary bamboo bridges are sometimes built, but they are frequently swept away by floods.

The incomplete bridge has also affected access to education and healthcare. Students from Manetar, Suman Tar, Muktital, Nishane Danda, and Lower Nishane Danda must cross the river daily to reach schools in the main Dharan market area.

The local school offers education only up to Grade 5, forcing older students to travel across the river for higher studies.

Local resident Life Magar said children face extreme hardship during monsoon. “Sometimes they wait for hours on the riverbank, and on some days they return home without attending school,” he said.

Farmers also struggle to transport agricultural products to Dharan’s main market, while emergencies such as medical cases become life-threatening due to the lack of safe crossing.

Ward Chairperson Limbu said that repeated extensions have been granted, but the contractor has failed to resume work.

He added that a new agreement was made on 25 March, 2025, with a commitment to complete the project by the end of May/June, followed by another promise to finish by Feb, 2026.

However, construction has still not resumed.

Earlier, then Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development of Koshi Province Bhupendra Rai inspected the site in March 2025.

During the inspection, authorities had stated that action would be taken against the contractor, including termination of the contract and seizure of the security deposit for failure to proceed with work.

However, the contractor later obtained an interim order from the court, which has further stalled progress on the project.

Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Dharan’s core market area and wards 4 and 5, and also provide a smoother route toward Rajarani of Dhankuta and Yangsila and Kerabari of Morang, linking wider regional routes.