Two Bailey bridges constructed in Humla, connecting with Karnali Corridor

BY RAJAN RAWAT,Humla, July 26: Humla district witnessed significant infrastructure development in the fiscal year 2024/25, with the construction and operation of two new Bailey bridges. These bridges were built within a short timeframe to connect Humla with the Karnali Corridor and Mugu district up to Chankheli Salisalla.

According to Naresh Raj Jaisi, head of the Infrastructure Development Office, a 42-metre-long Bailey bridge was built across the Loti Karnali River at the border of Ward Nos. 2 and 4 of Chankheli Rural Municipality. With the completion of this bridge, Mugu district has now been officially linked to Humla via the road network. Although roads had been built on both sides of the Loti Karnali earlier, the lack of a bridge had prevented direct connectivity.

Similarly, on June 24, the Nepali Army constructed a 52-metre-long Bailey bridge over the Dojam Karnali River at Kharku of Kharpunath Rural Municipality-5, formally linking the district headquarters Simkot to the national road network. The bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on July 6.

With these two new additions, six Bailey bridges have been constructed in Humla’s Karnali Corridor section since 2021. Notable past projects include bridges over the Karnali River at Salisalla in 2023, as well as at Kawadi and Gulfagard in 2021. Additional bridges were also built at Tumkot and Hilsa along the Simkot-Hilsa road section.

The recent infrastructure improvements are expected to enhance local connectivity, promote trade and make travel easier across remote regions of Humla.