Pappu Construction’s unfinished projects in Kathmandu; 12 years but Tinkune and Teku Bridges still in Limbo (Photos)

Nepal Views

Kathmandu: Two concrete bridges in Kathmandu, Teku-Kalimati and Tinkune, which were initiated at the same time as others, remain incomplete and in poor condition. Meanwhile, the Bijulibazar and Dallu bridges, started under the same contract, have long been operational.

In 2014 (2071 BS), Pappu Construction Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the contract to build four concrete bridges in Kathmandu under two separate packages: one included the Teku and Dallu bridges, and the other, the Tinkune and Bijulibazar bridges.

The agreement required Pappu Construction to complete all four bridges by 2017 (2074 Bikram Sambat). With deadline extensions, the Bijulibazar Bridge opened in 2019, and the Dallu Bridge was handed over to the government after technical inspection in 2021.

However, the Teku Bridge faced serious issues. Government inspections found that the contractor used substandard materials, making the bridge unsafe for vehicular traffic. It was later closed due to structural concerns, and vehicles are still not allowed to use it. The government is undecided whether to open the bridge after repairs or demolish it.

On June 3 (Jestha 20), Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal stated that they are preparing for a load test to determine if the bridge can be used.

Meanwhile, the Tinkune Bridge was never completed. Although contracted in 2014, it suffered from severe negligence. The Roads Department halted the work when it found the design flawed and the construction poor.

Construction was stopped in 2020 (2077 BS) and has not resumed since. The government even demolished parts of the bridge after identifying major quality issues. Currently, only two pillars and the base structure remain visible.

These abandoned structures pose serious risks to both pedestrians and vehicles. On October 1, 2023 (Asoj 14, 2080 BS), a person died after a motorcycle fell into an open trench at the Tinkune site.

Government officials have said they are moving forward with terminating the contract with Pappu Construction and starting a new procurement process. Due to the non-functional Teku and Tinkune bridges, the area frequently experiences traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

(Glimpses of Tinkune- Teku- Kalimati concrete bridge)