Dhorpatan, Feb 21: The long-awaited completion of the Astu-Odarbot motor bridge, a project initiated seven years ago, remains a distant prospect as two pillars near the river begin to crumble, exacerbated by rusting iron rods. Progress on the bridge, which commenced in January 2074, has stalled at a mere 40%, leaving the structure in a state of abandonment.

Efforts to rectify the situation have been mired in setbacks. YT Rafina JV Construction, tasked with the project in October 2073, failed to deliver on their obligations, leading to the termination of their contract in December of the previous year. This abrupt halt has plunged the fate of the bridge into uncertainty, leaving residents of Dhorpatan Municipality-5 Adhikarichaur and beyond in dismay.

The ramifications of this stagnant construction extend far beyond inconvenience. Thousands of farmers in Adhikarichaur and Nathurigaon, heavily reliant on the bridge for transportation of produce, find themselves at a standstill. The absence of the motor bridge impedes crucial access to markets, crippling the agricultural economy of the region.

Krishan Kandel, a local farmer, bemoans the lost opportunities and hardships endured due to the project’s delay. “The motor bridge was supposed to revolutionize our village’s economy, but instead, we’re stranded, unable to transport our goods efficiently,” he laments.

Similarly, Shivraj Kandel highlights the dire consequences for emergency situations, where lack of access to the bridge could mean the difference between life and death. “The delays in construction jeopardize not only our livelihoods but also our safety,” he stresses.

Engineer Amar Adhikari of the Road Division Office, Baglung, acknowledges the severity of the situation, citing negligence on the part of the construction company. Despite efforts to salvage the project, including confiscation of the company’s advance bond and consultation for a new design, progress remains sluggish.

As the community grapples with the repercussions of this stalled endeavor, the urgency for swift resolution mounts. The Astu-Odarbot motor bridge stands as a testament to bureaucratic hurdles and the toll it exacts on the lives and livelihoods of those it was meant to serve. Until concrete action is taken to address these challenges, the bridge’s completion remains uncertain, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the region’s future.