Bailey bridges being installed over Puwa and Mai Khola

By Kokila Dhakal,Ilam, May 27: As the rainy season is approaching soon, heavy construction is underway to install two Bailey bridges and build a small box bridge along the alternative routes of the Mechi Highway, particularly where landslides and road subsidence have long troubled the main route. 

The concern now gripping the eastern hills is how transport will continue along this vital ‘lifeline’ connecting the highlands with the lowlands during the rainy season.

The Mechi Highway has long provided crucial access to districts like Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung and parts of Terhathum. However, the Rajduwali–Golakhark Bhanjyang stretch near the Mai Khola has proven especially vulnerable during monsoon, prompting the urgent development of detours.

The Road Division Office in Ilam confirmed that while the damaged section has been temporarily reopened, two alternative routes are now being expedited. One is the Kechana–Kanchenjunga road which connects Ilam Bazaar to Jhapa via the Puwa Khola. A 50-metre Bailey bridge is being installed there under a contract worth Rs. 13.5 million, with an ambitious goal to complete it within the next 10 days—well ahead of the original deadline of 13 June.

Meanwhile, work on a box culvert over the Thade Khola in Ilam Municiplaity-11 is also progressing swiftly under a separate Rs. 18.3 million contract. The aim is to open this entire road for vehicular movement as early as possible.

Another alternative route is the Simalgolai–Tilkeni road under the Mechi Highway. A 37-metre Bailey bridge is being set up over the Jogmai Khola. The old Puwa Khola bridge, previously dismantled, is now being refurbished and installed there. “We had to remove rust and reinforce the rods, which caused some delays,” said chief engineer Pawan Bhattarai. “But the reinforcement work is now done, and bridge installation will begin within a few days.” The goal is to complete this by June.

Additionally, work is underway to widen and gravel the narrower 11-kilometre stretch of the Simla Golai–Tilkeni road, with completion targeted for July. Rs. 40 million has been allocated for the maintenance and improvement of this stretch.

Given the ongoing rains, progress on road surfaces beyond the bridges has been slower than expected. Still, Bhattarai remains hopeful: “Once the skies clear a bit, we’ll pick up pace. Our aim is to open both routes for small and large vehicles alike.”