The proposed bridge on the Damchu to Haa link road across the Wangchu River is currently in the planning and pre-construction stage. Project DANTAK is in the process of finalising a professional consultancy firm that will carry out a feasibility study and prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
According to Project DANTAK, preliminary assessments indicated that the bridge will be reconstructed upstream of the previously collapsed bridge. The old bridge collapsed in 2021.
The new bridge will be approximately 266 metres long. It will be longer than the collapsed one.
Considering the long span, officials said along with requirements of structural safety, durability, and visual appeal, the bridge is proposed to be developed as either a cable-stayed, extra-dosed, or arch-type structure.
The final bridge structure will be decided during the DPR stage, based on detailed technical and financial evaluations prepared by the consultancy firm.
Project DANTAK said the selection of consultancy firm shall be done through open competitive bidding and basis of selection adopted shall be Quality Cost Based Selection (QCBS) wherein majority weightage shall be given to the technical competence parameters of the consultancy firm.
Officials said bidding shall be invited through open tendering and shall be open to all reputed consultancy firms whether Bhutanese or Indian.
Project DANTAK said that a reputed and experienced consultancy firm will be selected by mid of next month.
The selected consultancy firm will be responsible for site finalisation, geotechnical works and determining the nature of soil to see whether work can proceed safely. It will also estimate cost and prepare tender documents, along with other pre-construction activities.
The bridge is planned as a permanent concrete bridge, capable of carrying heavy traffic up to 70 tonnes.
Following the approval of the DPR, the construction contract will be awarded. The construction period is expected to be around 36 months from the date of award.
The project cost will be finalised after completion and approval of the DPR.
Funding for both the consultancy services and construction of the bridge will be provided by the Government of India.
Kelzang Chhophyel
