After 15 Years of Delays, Kamala Bridge Connecting Dhanusha and Siraha Nears Completion
The long-delayed Kamala River Bridge connecting Dhanusha and Siraha districts in Madhesh Province is nearing completion after approximately 15 years of construction delays. Authorities are accelerating the remaining work, with the project office preparing to open the bridge from Mangsir and the Infrastructure Minister targeting December 2026.
JANAKPURDHAM: After nearly 15 years of delays, the long-awaited Kamala River Bridge connecting Dhanusha and Siraha districts in Madhesh Province is approaching completion, raising hopes of improved transportation and connectivity for thousands of people living in the region.
The bridge, being constructed along the Hulaki Highway over the Kamala River, has remained incomplete despite repeated government assurances and several construction deadlines.
However, construction activities have recently accelerated, and authorities are preparing to bring the bridge into operation in the coming weeks.
According to the Hulaki Highway Directorate's project office in Janakpur, the bridge has reached its final construction stage. Office Chief Krishna Kumar Mahato said preparations were underway to open the bridge to traffic from Mangsir, once the remaining work on the connecting roads is completed.
Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal has also stated that the government is targeting December 2026 to bring the bridge into operation.
Construction Accelerated After Years of Delays
The Kamala Bridge has a long history of construction delays. The original construction contract was awarded to Pappu-Lumbini JV in 2011, with the project intended to improve transportation between Dhanusha and Siraha.
The bridge was nearing completion in 2021 when flooding in the Kamala River damaged parts of the structure, including its pillars. The damage forced authorities to undertake additional technical assessments and reconstruction work.
The project subsequently faced further delays because of structural problems and the need to strengthen the damaged sections.
According to the project office, the reconstruction work has now progressed significantly. The construction of pillar number 10 has been completed, while foundation strengthening, reinforcement of three pillars and superstructure slab concreting have reached their final stages.
The remaining work includes completing the bridge structure and filling the connecting roads on both sides.
Residents Have Faced Years of Transportation Difficulties
The absence of a permanent bridge has created serious difficulties for residents of Dhanusha, Siraha and neighbouring districts.
People travelling between the two districts have often been forced to take longer alternative routes or cross the river using boats.
During the monsoon, rising water levels and strong river currents make crossing particularly difficult and risky. Motorcyclists, farmers, traders, students and patients travelling for medical treatment have all faced additional challenges.
The lack of a permanent crossing has also affected transportation between Janakpurdham and several settlements in Siraha and Saptari.
Local residents have repeatedly demanded that the government complete the bridge, saying the prolonged delay has affected their daily lives, economic activities and access to essential services.
Road Encroachments Being Removed Along Hulaki Highway
Alongside the bridge construction, authorities have started removing unauthorised structures built within the road boundary between Kadam Chowk in Janakpurdham and the Kamala River bridge.
The Hulaki Highway Directorate's project office has begun removing houses, sheds and roadside shops that have remained within the designated road corridor despite repeated notices.
Project Chief Krishna Kumar Mahato said these structures have affected road construction and expansion work. Some sections could not be developed because the road boundary had not been cleared.
Authorities have warned that structures that continue to obstruct the project may be removed through enforcement measures if necessary.
The clearance work is considered important because traffic movement is expected to increase once the Kamala Bridge becomes operational.
More Than 347 Kilometres of Hulaki Highway Blacktopped
The Kamala Bridge is an important part of the wider Hulaki Highway development project, which aims to improve connectivity across Nepal's southern plains.
According to the project office, out of the total 406.43 kilometres of the Hulaki Highway section between Siraha and Sarlahi, approximately 347.63 kilometres have already been blacktopped.
A total of 24 bridges along this section have also been completed.
District-wise progress includes:
- Siraha: 29.98 kilometres completed out of 57.52 kilometres.
- Dhanusha: 74.58 kilometres completed out of 89.52 kilometres.
- Mahottari: 91.56 kilometres completed out of 93.05 kilometres.
- Sarlahi: 151.51 kilometres completed out of 166.20 kilometres.
The remaining construction has been affected by land disputes, delays in removing structures within the road boundary, and other project-related challenges.
Expected Boost for Agriculture, Trade and Local Businesses
The completion of the Kamala Bridge is expected to improve transportation between Dhanusha and Siraha and strengthen connections with other districts in Madhesh Province.
The Hulaki Highway is particularly important for rural communities because it connects agricultural settlements with major markets and commercial centres.
Local representatives and business owners say improved road connectivity has already helped reduce travel difficulties and supported commercial activities in several areas.
According to local representatives, road development has also contributed to an increase in land values around some connected settlements.
The completion of the bridge is expected to make the transportation of agricultural products easier, reduce travel time and improve access to education, healthcare and other public services.
Opening Timeline: Mangsir or December 2026?
Although construction has entered its final stage, the bridge has not yet been officially opened to traffic.
The project office has said it is preparing to begin vehicle movement from Mangsir after completing the connecting-road work. Meanwhile, Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal has publicly stated that the government is targeting December 2026.
The final opening will depend on the completion of the remaining construction work and the necessary technical and safety arrangements.
For thousands of residents who have waited for years for a permanent crossing over the Kamala River, the completion of the bridge would mark an important improvement in regional connectivity.
After repeated delays and missed deadlines, residents are now waiting to see whether the latest target will finally become a reality.