Triveni suspension bridge remains closed in lack of security arrangements

By Gyanu Pangeny,Nawalpur, July 4: The ‘Lava-Kush’ suspension bridge, constructed over the Narayani River at Triveni in Nawalparasi East (Nawalpur) to connect Balmiki Ashram via Nepal, has not yet come into operation due to incomplete security arrangements.

The bridge construction began in 2013 and was completed in 2022. Although it was formally inaugurated in July last year with much fanfare, the bridge has remained closed for public use ever since.

Soon after the inauguration, movement across the bridge was restricted because the area falls within the national park and the required security measures had not been put in place.

According to Narendra Shah, the ward chairperson of Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-6, necessary structures for security personnel to stay have now been built, and the bridge will come into operation as soon as the Chitwan National Park deploys security staff.

“There were no facilities for security personnel before. Now, all the structures have been completed. Once security staff are deployed, the bridge will open soon,” Shah said.

He further informed that the construction of a proper footpath leading to Balmiki Ashram from the bridge is also in its final stage. The footpath, around 1,300 metres long, is expected to be completed soon.

There is no route from the Chitwan side (Madi Municipality-1) to Balmiki Ashram. Even from the Nawalpur side, there is no direct route to reach the Ashram through the Nepali territory. As a result, people have to cross the Gandak Barrage at Triveni and travel via Balmikinagar and Balmiki Tiger Reserve in India to reach Balmiki Ashram.

Travelling to Nepal’s religious site via the Indian territory takes not only more time but also involves several hassles.

Although it has been a long time since the bridge was completed, it is still not in operation. However, Shah expressed hope that the bridge would open soon. Once the bridge is operational, the compulsion of travelling to Balmiki Ashram via India will come to an end, he added.

The 535-metre-long suspension bridge was constructed at a cost of around Rs. 60 million.

Balmiki Ashram is a religious site of great historical and mythological significance. It is believed to be the place where Sita spent a long time, where she entered the earth, where Lava and Kush were born, and where the Ramayana was written.

Chairperson of Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality, Ghanshyam Giri, said that as the bridge connects Triveni Dham and Balmiki Ashram, the municipality is making efforts to bring the bridge into operation as soon as possible.