Asian Highway Bridge Project Industry Growth Update

Asian Highway Bridge Construction Advances with Arc Technology Push

JHAPA, Nepal — May 20, 2026 — Construction of three major bridges under the Asian Highway Kakarbhitta-Laukahi Road Project has gained significant momentum, marking a major development in Nepal’s transport infrastructure sector. The bridges, being developed using advanced steel arc technology, are expected to strengthen regional connectivity while supporting long-term growth in the construction market.

Project officials confirmed that rapid construction progress is underway on the Ratuwa River bridge in Jhapa and the Lohandra and Bakraha river bridges in Morang. According to project chief Jagat Prajapati, approximately 40% of the physical construction work has already been completed.

Modern Arc Technology Drives Infrastructure Shift

The three bridges are among the largest structures in the western section of the 95-kilometer Asian Highway corridor extending from Kakarbhitta in Jhapa to Laukahi in Sunsari. The initiative reflects Nepal’s growing adoption of modern engineering methods to support resilient transport infrastructure.

Key project highlights include:

• 585-meter-long signature bridge over the Ratuwa River

• 385-meter-long bridge over the Lohandra River

• 318-meter-long bridge over the Bakraha River

• Advanced steel arc engineering for enhanced structural stability

• Fabrication and assembly operations underway in Urlabari, Morang

The Ratuwa bridge is expected to become a landmark infrastructure asset, featuring a 264-meter steel arc section combined with reinforced concrete spans.

Strategic Investment Strengthens Regional Connectivity

The bridge construction contract, valued at approximately Rs 5 billion, has been awarded to China State Seventh Engineering Division in partnership with Kovek-CRGEC JV. Officials stated that the sophisticated steel structure work is being managed by the Chinese engineering partner, while local civil construction activities are being handled by Nepali contractors.

Infrastructure analysts at Next Move Strategy Consulting note that rising investments in highway modernization projects across South Asia are reshaping the regional Construction Market. Governments are increasingly prioritizing durable bridge systems capable of supporting expanding freight and logistics demands.

“The use of steel arc technology in highway bridge construction reflects a broader shift toward high-performance infrastructure across emerging economies,” said an infrastructure analyst at Next Move Strategy Consulting. “Projects of this scale are expected to influence future public infrastructure investments and engineering standards.”

Construction Challenges and Market Outlook

Despite rapid progress, project officials acknowledged that technical complexities could extend completion timelines by an additional five months beyond the original January 1, 2083 deadline. Engineers and technical teams are reportedly working continuously to minimize delays, including preparations to maintain construction activities during the monsoon season.

Most of the steel assembly work on the Ratuwa bridge has already been completed, with remaining efforts focused primarily on concrete integration and final structural development.

As infrastructure modernization accelerates across Asia, the successful execution of Nepal’s steel arc bridge initiative could serve as a benchmark for future highway construction projects in the region.

Source: Ratopati English

Prepared By: Prakhyat Chowdhury