Pithoragarh: Motor Bridge Over Kali River on India-Nepal Border to Open Soon, Boosting Commercial Activities : Nepal’s Ambassador Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma
Dharchula/Pithoragarh : Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, today inspected the motor bridge under construction over the Kali River at Chharchum village in the Dharchula sub-division on the India-Nepal border. During the inspection, he expressed hope that commercial activities would soon commence on the bridge, further strengthening India-Nepal trade and social relations.
Dr. Sharma stated that this is the second motor bridge connecting Nepal in Uttarakhand, after the Banbasa bridge in Champawat district, which will strengthen connectivity, trade, and mutual cooperation between the two countries. It is noteworthy that the foundation stone for this important second motor bridge on the India-Nepal border was laid by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in 2022. This bridge will serve as a powerful means for the development of the border region, trade expansion, and international cooperation. During the inspection, he was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Dr. Surendra Thapa, diplomats Ambika Joshi and Prakash Malla, and associates Ravindra Jang Thapa and Bhishma Prasad Bhuryal.
Executive Engineer Arun of the State Public Works Department (PWD) informed that the 110-meter span bridge has been completed, with a total width of 10.50 meters and a 7.5-meter carriageway. He stated that the 150-meter long approach road connecting the bridge to the highway will be completed by March 2026, while the approach road on the other side will be ready by the end of this month.
The Executive Engineer of the PWD Askote division clarified that the project will be fully ready for operation after the construction of approach roads on both the Indian and Nepalese sides, and the construction of sheds for security and customs. In this regard, District Magistrate Pithoragarh, Ashish Bhatgai, in a meeting held last week, instructed the PWD to construct temporary sheds for security and customs to facilitate the early opening of the bridge. Meanwhile, Dharchula Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mr. Jitendra Verma said that the Indian authorities are rapidly working on the construction of approach roads on both sides. Ambassador Dr. Sharma said that this international motor bridge will prove to be a milestone in India-Nepal relations. He said that this bridge will connect the people of both countries at the people-to-people level, which will give new impetus to movement, trade activities, and socio-cultural relations.
The Ambassador said that Nepali women who marry Indian men and come to India often face difficulties with documentation. The Nepali Embassy will play a fully cooperative role in this matter. He said that in such cases, coordination will be established at the एसडीएम (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) level and necessary assistance will be provided so that ordinary citizens do not face any unnecessary problems.
