Tri-junction suspension bridge attracts tourists

By Ramesh Bishwokarma

Gulmi, Nov. 12: The newly built tri-junction (tin mukhi) suspension bridge connecting the districts of Gulmi, Palpa and Syangja is becoming a popular attraction for both domestic and international tourists. 

The bridge over the Kaligandaki River near the Ridi confluence sees a growing number of visitors every day.

This unique suspension bridge links Ridi in Rurukshetra Rural Municipality-1 of Gulmi, Argali in Tansen Municipality-14 of Palpa and Chandi Bhanjyang in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-1 of Syangja. 

According to Nawaraj BK, Ward Chairperson of Rurukshetra Rural Municipality-1, the bridge has drawn many visitors who come to walk on the bridge, enjoy the views and bathe in the Kaligandaki River.

Rurukshetra, one of Nepal's revered four dhams (pilgrimage sites), has become even more picturesque with the construction of this tri-junction bridge. The bridge has not only attracted religious tourists but has also caught the attention of other types of visitors. 

Key landmarks such as Devdatta Park on the Gulmi side, Hanuman Batika on the Syangja side and Rishikesh Temple on the Palpa side add to the area’s appeal. Since last year, a regular evening aarti (prayer ceremony) has also been conducted on the banks of the Kaligandaki River in Ridi.

The bridge has boosted trade in Ridi, which serves as the main market for residents of Tansen Municipality-14 in Palpa and Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-1 in Syangja. With the bridge in place, locals no longer face the risks previously associated with crossing the river to access the market.

During construction, a central pillar with a nine-metre circular platform was built in the middle of the Kaligandaki River. The bridge includes a 25-metre-high viewing tower and three suspension bridges, each 177.4 metres in length, extending from the central pillar to connect the three districts.

This tri-directional suspension bridge, the first of its kind in Nepal, was built with an investment of around Rs. 98.8 million and took eight years to complete.

The bridge is awaiting its official inauguration. Its foundation was laid on November 30, 2014, by Nepali Congress leader and MP Dr. Chandra Bhandari and then-Chief Secretary Lilamani Paudel.