KATHMANDU: Construction of the long-delayed Network Arch Bridge over the Bagmati River at Tinkune has officially begun. The project, which remained stalled for 11 years after being abandoned by Pappu Construction, has now moved forward under a new contract.
The new contractor, YP Kirateshwar JV, has started work at the site. However, construction began only after the contract period had already expired.
After terminating the agreement with Pappu Construction, a new contract was signed on April 23, 2022, with a deadline of 42 months. As per the agreement, the bridge was supposed to be completed by January 24, 2026.
However, the project remained stuck for nearly three years due to delays in design approval. With the design now verified by a third party and work order issued, construction activities have finally started.
Ram Bihari Chaudhary, Information Officer of the Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project, confirmed that the contractor has mobilized equipment and materials and begun preparatory works.
He said the delay occurred mainly due to the prolonged design approval process. Earlier issues have now been resolved, and the project is expected to gain momentum.
According to Chaudhary, two of the three foundations previously constructed by Pappu Construction will be demolished and rebuilt. Since the contract follows a Design and Build model, the contractor is responsible for both the design and construction.
The contract was awarded at Rs 245.967 million.
Background of the project
The original contract with Pappu Construction was signed on December 20, 2014, with a completion deadline of June 19, 2018.
However, only about 25 percent of the work was completed within the deadline. The company also carried out construction that did not match the approved design.
After repeated instructions to correct the errors were ignored, the contract was terminated in 2019, and Pappu Construction was blacklisted. The company later moved to court, which further delayed the fresh bidding process.
The Department of Roads had launched arch bridge projects at both Tinkune and Bijulibazar in 2014. While the Bijulibazar Bridge has been operational for six years, the Tinkune project remained incomplete.
Bridge specifications
The Tinkune Bridge will follow a similar design to the Bijulibazar arch bridge.
The total length will be 85 meters, with a width of 16 meters. Out of this, 12 meters will be allocated for vehicular movement, 2 meters for footpaths, and 1.2 meters on each side for beam structures. The arch structure will rise 15.75 meters above the deck.
Pile and pile cap technology will be used for the foundation. Each foundation will have 20 piles of 1.2-meter diameter and 36-meter length, totaling 40 piles.
Proposal for deadline extension
With construction beginning after the original completion deadline, the contractor has requested a three-year extension. Citing delays in design approval, the company has formally sought additional time.
Chaudhary said the extension process will move forward after the contractor fulfills required procedures, including maintaining the necessary bank guarantee.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to ease traffic movement between Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, reduce congestion in the Tinkune-Shantinagar area, and improve overall traffic management along the Bagmati Corridor. Vehicles currently using service lanes will be able to cross directly.
Similar to the Bijulibazar Bridge, the new structure is also planned to feature an attractive design to enhance urban aesthetics.
