Suspension bridge over Supkhola delights locals

By Sher Bahadur Sarki,Bajura, May 28: Locals of Ward Nos. 5 and 2 of Himali Rural Municipality, located in the north-eastern region of Bajura district, are overjoyed following the construction of a suspension bridge over the Supkhola. 

Locals of Kweedi, Rumdi, Kot, Bichchhya, and surrounding areas, the district’s most remote regions, had long endured difficulties crossing the Supkhola, especially during the monsoon season in the absence of a bridge.

Now, with the construction of the new bridge, crossing the river has become much easier. “The bridge connects Ward Nos. 5 and 2, and it has solved a long-standing problem faced by the locals,” said Gyani Budha, Chairperson of the Supkhola Suspension Bridge Construction Project.

According to Khadka Raj Jaishi, Technical Officer at Peace Win Nepal, the construction that started in the fiscal year 2021/22 was completed on May 24, 2025.

He added, “The bridge was built with technical support from Peace Win Nepal and funding from Himali Rural Municipality at a cost of Rs. 7.6 million.”

With this bridge, the total number of suspension bridges in the Bajura district has reached 145. With six additional suspension bridges under construction, the total number of bridges will soon reach 151. 

Himali Rural Municipality is one of the most remote local levels of Bajura district. As it was very difficult to access the villages of the Himali Rural Municipality, the locals had emphasised the construction of a bridge over Supakhola for many years.

“To meet their demand, we allocated a budget in 2021/22,” said Govinda Bahadur Malla, Chairperson of Himali Rural Municipality.  He added, “Our focus on basic services like health, education, roads, electricity and drinking water has enhanced infrastructure and connectivity."

“Our goal is to serve the people, and we’ve been working based on what the community needs. As a result, the life of the locals is starting to improve,” said Chairperson Malla.