MAHENDRANAGAR: The reconstruction of the historic Dodhara Chandani suspension bridge in Kanchanpur is estimated to cost Rs 200 million, according to a preliminary assessment.
Traffic on the suspension bridge over the Mahakali River has remained closed since one of its pillars collapsed in the second week of Ashoj, damaging other sections as well. A technical team led by Kamal Kumar Adhikari, deputy director general of the Suspension Bridge Division, travelled from Kathmandu to assess the damage.
Adhikari said the team had submitted a report detailing the damage and estimated reconstruction costs to the Department of Local Infrastructure.
The team assessed the damage at Rs 70 million and estimated that reconstruction would cost Rs 200 million.
“Damage worth Rs 70 million has been recorded. We have submitted a report estimating the reconstruction cost at Rs 200 million,” Adhikari said. “We are ready to begin work if the project is included in the plan and the budget is allocated.”
He said reconstruction could begin only after the water level in the Mahakali River recedes. Soil testing can be conducted only when the water level drops, meaning work could start during the winter.
Adhikari said the bridge could be rebuilt within a year of the start of reconstruction if the necessary budget is secured.
The technical team also found that two additional pillars on either side of the collapsed pillar were in a weakened condition.
Movement between Dodhara and Chandani has not been completely disrupted, as a four-lane concrete bridge has been built about 2.5 kilometres north of the suspension bridge.
Meanwhile, the Sudurpaschim Province government has allocated Rs 10 million for the reconstruction of the Dodhara Chandani suspension bridge.