Bridge at Raksikot makes travel easier for locals

By Premraj Simkhada, Kalikot, Mar. 12: Travel has become easier after a suspension bridge was built over the Karnali River in Kalikot.

The bridge connects Regil of Sannitriveni Rural Municipality-1 and Raksikot of Khandachakra Municipality-3, making movement between the two places much easier for local residents.

Earlier, people in Raksikot, particularly those raising livestock, faced many difficulties due to the absence of a bridge. Ward No. 3 of Tadi area, including Raksikot, is known for livestock farming.

A local, Maniraj Pandey, said the area has abundant grass for animals, which is why many villagers had built cattle sheds there.

“In the past, many people also lived here permanently. But after roads reached the district, the number of residents decreased,” he said. “However, Raksikot is still very useful for livestock farmers, so the suspension bridge has become very beneficial for those who continue to work here.”

The bridge has made life easier for around 30 households in areas such as Raksikot, Badhichyura, Lamakharak, Sim, Dhanadi and Kuna.

It has also helped buffalo farmers transport milk to nearby markets more easily. Although Raksikot is suitable for raising buffaloes, farmers previously had to walk for about two hours to sell milk in market.

Local Madhav Prasad Pandey said that after the construction of the bridge, farmers no longer need to walk two hours via the Regil suspension bridge to supply milk to workers and staff at the construction site of the Phukot Karnali Semi-Reservoir Hydropower Project.

“Now we can reach Regil within 10 to 15 minutes from home carrying milk,” he said. Students have also benefited from the bridge. Earlier, children from Raksikot, Lamakharak, Sim and Dhanadi had to take a long and difficult route via the Regil bridge to reach school.

Now they can easily attend Shankar Secondary School in Sannitriveni Rural Municipality-1 by crossing the new bridge over the Karnali River.

According to locals, children now cross the bridge to go to school while also helping deliver milk to the local market, making their daily tasks easier.