Steel Shortage Halts Construction of Three Modern Bridges on Asian Highway
Summary
A shortage of 420-grade steel has stalled construction of three modern bridges on the Kakarbhitta–Laukahi road project along the Asian Highway. Delays in imports from India are threatening the January 2026 deadline for the bridges in Jhapa and Morang.
Key Points
- Construction of three steel arch bridges on the Kakarbhitta–Laukahi road project has slowed because required 420-grade steel is unavailable in Nepal and must be imported from India.
- The supply was further disrupted after the July 10 Bhote Koshi flood damaged the route used to bring steel via the Kerung–Rasuwagadhi border.
- The three bridges over the Ratuwa, Lohandra and Bakraha rivers have reached about 40 percent physical progress overall, with the Ratuwa bridge at 52 percent.
- The Rs 5 billion contract has been awarded to Kovek–CREGC–China State Seventh JV, with the Chinese side handling steel structure work and the Nepali partner handling civil construction.
