DAMAULI: Four suspension bridges that will be affected by the reservoir of the 140-megawatt Tanahun Hydropower Project under construction in Tanahun district are set to be reconstructed.
Tanahun Hydropower Limited has signed a contract agreement with Thani Kali Joshi Joint Venture (JV), Kathmandu, for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the bridges affected by the project’s reservoir.
Project Chief Shyamji Bhandari said the contract was awarded for Rs. 1,697,038, excluding taxes.
According to Bhandari, the four bridges will be rebuilt at suitable locations identified in consultation with local residents. The necessary construction equipment and materials have also been supplied for the work.
The bridges will be constructed in Chulesi, Tunibote, Dablyang and Tutuwa. The existing structures will be affected by the rising water level once the project reservoir comes into operation, making it necessary to relocate and rebuild them.
Bhandari said the reconstruction has been prioritized to ensure that residents of settlements affected by the reservoir do not face difficulties travelling between communities or accessing essential services and facilities.
The new locations were selected in consultation with local people to ensure that the bridges meet the community’s daily transportation needs and remain accessible to residents.
Under the agreement, all four suspension bridges are scheduled for completion by Baisakh 2085 of the Nepali calendar, which falls in April–May 2028.
The reconstruction is part of the measures being undertaken to address the local infrastructure impacts of the Tanahun Hydropower Project, which has an installed capacity of 140 megawatts.