Karnali to get 90 new suspension bridges this FY

By Rajani Yogi,Surkhet, Dec. 31: A total of 90 suspension bridges are set to be constructed across Karnali Province within the current fiscal year.

Construction of some of these bridges began the previous year, while others are new projects, according to the Karnali Provincial Government.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development confirmed that it is common for older projects to be completed while new ones are added each year. 

This year, the provincial government has set a target of constructing 90 suspension bridges.

These bridges are being built to improve access to transportation services for people living in geographically remote areas. The bridges being constructed in collaboration with the federal and local governments aim to ensure these areas are accessible within a 30-minute walk.

The provincial government has allocated Rs. 205 million to construct suspension bridges this fiscal year.

Prabin Karki, Information Officer at the Ministry, stated that the budget for 42 new bridges has already been secured. He added that the construction is progressing as per the schedule.

The government has introduced a new provision, according to which, each suspension bridge should be constructed within a 30-minute walking distance. Earlier, there was the provision to build the bridge within an hour's walking distance. 

These suspension bridges are primarily being constructed in rural areas to facilitate river crossings, particularly in places where the construction of a concrete bridge is not immediately feasible due to the lack of road access.

In recent years, some of these bridges, initially intended for local transportation, have also contributed to tourism development in remote areas.

The provincial government continues to build suspension bridges every year. In 10 districts of Karnali Province, the bridges are being constructed with conditional grants from both the provincial and federal governments.

In the last fiscal year (2023/24), 27 suspension bridges were completed, although the original target was 94. Similarly, 77 bridges were constructed in fiscal year 2021/22, and 107  in 2022/23. Since the establishment of the provincial government, the construction of suspension bridges has been a continuous effort to improve transportation and reduce travel risks for citizens.