Bridge over bridge eases travel woes

By Bhaktibilas Pokharel,Gaighat, Mar.5: A suspension bridge has been constructed over a damaged motorable concrete bridge across the Triyuga River, connecting Shivai and Beliha of Chaudandigadhi Municipality-5.

Although the structure may look unusual -- a bridge built over another bridge, locals said it has brought much-needed relief. Residents who previously had to walk through the river while crossing it said that the new suspension bridge has eased their daily hardship.

A local, Parshuram Basnet, said that while the “bridge over a bridge” may appear strange, it has proved highly useful for the general public.

Construction of the original motorable bridge began nearly 15 years ago. The project was awarded to Mahalaxmi-Lokpriya JV Construction Company of Kalanki with a contract worth Rs. 97.6 million, to be completed within three years. However, delays pushed the cost up to Rs. 112.7 million.

Before the bridge could come into operation, floods in July 2021 caused two pillars on the southern side to sink, leading to the collapse of three slabs. As a result, around 80 metres of the bridge became completely unusable, leaving local residents disappointed.

With the bridge left in limbo, nearly 20,000 people from Ward Nos. 5, 9 and 10 of Chaudandigadhi Municipality were directly affected. 

Mayor Kaluman Lama said the new suspension bridge has now been built and brought into operation to provide immediate relief.

According to locals, the absence of a functioning bridge had made travel difficult for residents of Shivai, Sundarpur and Hadiya, especially when travelling to Beltar Bazaar and the municipal centre. 

During the monsoon, people were forced to risk crossing the river by boat or take a long detour via Fattepur in Madhes Province.

With no permanent solution in sight for years, the Koshi Province government adopted an interim measure and constructed the suspension bridge at a cost of around Rs. 6 million over the damaged 80-metre section of the original structure. The new bridge now allows safe passage for motorcycles, three-wheeled autos and pedestrians.

The original motorable bridge, measuring 280 metres in length and 5.5 metres in width, had 12 pillars and 11 slabs. The suspension bridge has been built over the damaged portion and is now in use.

Ram Kumar Chaudhary, a resident of Ward No. 5, said daily life had been severely affected without the bridge. “Crossing the river involved considerable risk. Now, with the suspension bridge in place, we can at least travel more easily and maintain direct contact with the municipal centre,” he said.