Protest Erupts at Kamala Bridge as Minister Lamsal Faces Local Anger Over Delays

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sunil Lamsal was met with public anger on Saturday during his inspection of the long-delayed Kamala Bridge, as local residents surrounded him and chanted slogans against the government after his delegation tried to leave without a clear commitment on completion.

Locals confront minister over stalled project

The confrontation took place at the bridge site on the Postal Highway, where the Kamala Bridge is expected to connect Siraha and Dhanusha districts. According to local reports, residents accused the government of repeatedly failing to deliver progress on a project they say has been delayed for far too long.

Sources said the minister and a contractor were surrounded by locals near the Kamala River site, with protesters demanding accountability and a concrete timeline for finishing the bridge. The public reaction intensified when the inspection ended without a firm assurance on the project’s completion.

A symbol of infrastructure frustration

The Kamala Bridge has become more than a construction project. For many residents in Madhesh, it now stands as a visible sign of broken promises, delayed development, and weak project management. The anger directed at Lamsal reflects deeper frustration over infrastructure bottlenecks that affect daily travel, trade, and regional connectivity.

The bridge is strategically important because it sits along a major transport corridor, and prolonged delays have continued to disrupt movement between districts. That makes the project especially sensitive for residents who rely on the route for commerce, commuting, and access to services.

Pressure grows on the transport ministry

Lamsal, who recently took charge of the ministry, has been under pressure to address long-standing infrastructure problems. This latest incident puts even more attention on the government’s ability to turn promises into visible construction progress.

Public protests at project sites are often a sign that local patience has worn thin. In this case, residents appeared determined to force direct answers from officials rather than accept another routine inspection visit.

What happens next

The key question now is whether the ministry will respond with a concrete action plan, clearer deadlines, and stronger oversight of the bridge project. Without that, the Kamala Bridge is likely to remain a flashpoint for public anger and a broader test of the government’s infrastructure credibility.