Bailey bridge being reinstalled for third time over Hewakhola

By Our Correspondent

Phidim, Aug. 8: A Bailey bridge is being reinstalled for the third time over the Hewa Khola, which separates Phidim and Hilihang in Panchthar district. The bridge being fixed along the Mechi Highway connects Panchthar and Taplejung with Ilam and Jhapa. 

The Road Division Office, Ilam, is managing the bridge installation, which they are calling a “modular bridge.” 

The last attempt to install a bridge over the Hewa Khola failed on June 14, when it collapsed before completion. After that, equipment and technicians were brought in from India to try again. This time, Indian technicians are supervising the installation, using special equipment called 'launching kits.' 

According to engineer Laxman Baral from the Road Division Office, Ilam, 21 Indian technicians and 30 Nepali engineers are working on the project. The new bridge will be 70 metres long. Construction began on August 2 and is expected to take at least 15 days. This bridge is said to be the longest and most technically advanced of its kind in Nepal so far. The materials were provided free by the government of India. 

Tragically, three workers lost their lives on June 14 when the bridge collapsed during installation. The contract was awarded to Dobhan Super Saugat Light Builders, who will complete the work for Rs. 35 million. Previously, a concrete bridge over the Hewa Khola was washed away by a flood on June 17, 2023. A Bailey bridge built afterward was also swept away by flood on September 28, 2024. 

The second Bailey bridge collapsed during installation on June 14. Since the bridge was washed away, traveling in the area has become very challenging. During the dry season, vehicles use a diversion, but it becomes unusable when water level in the river rises.