New bridge to be constructed over Saptakoshi River with ADB support

Saptari: A three-kilometre-long bridge connecting Kanchanpur in Saptari district with Rajabas in Sunsari district is set to be constructed as an alternative to the existing Koshi Barrage Bridge.

The proposed bridge, which will connect the two districts across the Saptakoshi River, will be built based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared several years ago. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 43 billion, according to Chuda Raj Dhakal, Director at the Department of Roads’ Project Directorate.

Once operational, the new bridge is expected to shorten the East-West Highway route by 14 kilometres, significantly reducing travel distance between the two areas.

The project will be implemented with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In addition to the three-kilometre bridge, the project also includes the construction of a 43-kilometre road and a special-design bridge structure.

Dhakal said that technical preparations for the construction of the bridge and connecting road were underway. He added that the necessary procedural processes for the construction of the overall infrastructure were also moving forward.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide an alternative crossing over the Saptakoshi River, easing reliance on the existing Koshi Barrage Bridge and improving connectivity along the East-West Highway.