At a time when extending the deadlines for construction projects by contractors has become a new norm in the country, the successful completion of a suspension bridge in a remote part of Makwanpur district nine months before the agreed deadline has come as a surprise.

Umakhani JV Construction Company had set January 2020 as the deadline for the completion of a suspension bridge over Chaura River in the district’s eastern Bagmati Rural Municipality.

“The company completed its work nine months ahead of the stated date,” said Rahar Thing, chairman of Bagmati-4. “The bride was open to public from this Nepali New Year.”

Suspension Bridge Division Office under the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration had entered into a contract with Umakhani JV for the construction of the bridge at a budget of Rs 23.8 million. The 312-metre long and two-metre wide bridge was constructed over Chaura River that connects Jhurjhure of Bagmati-4 to Jyamirey of Bagmati-5.

The bridge comes as a respite to villagers who had to risk their lives to cross the river during rainy season. Every year during monsoon, two to three people lost their lives in the swollen river. School-going children of Jhurjhurey, Lamkana, Chandey also had to cross the Chaura River to reach Devaki Secondary School situated in Jyamriey of Bagmati-5.

Ghalan said that the bridge has benefited around 1,500 households and the people of Lalitpur, Kavre and Sindhuli are also benefiting from the timely construction of the new bridge.