KHOTANG, Oct 6: Locals and travelers traveling along the border of Khotang and Okhaldhunga districts are forced to risk their lives as they have to pass through a dilapidated suspension bridge.
The traffic-carrying deck, wire ropes, nut-bolts of the bridge are rusted and are at risk of collapsing anytime.
Suspension bridge awaiting repair
The suspension bridge has eased the transportation of goods and vehicular movement to Khotang and Okhaldhunga districts. However, concerned authorities have not carried out regular repairs of the bridge. This has ultimately made crossing the bridge very risky.
“In lack of maintenance and repairs, the 125-meter long bridge is at high risk of collapse,” said Iwan Rai, mayor of Tuwachung Municipality.
This has adversely affected the flow of tourists and pilgrims to Halesi, Khotang. Locals have complained that overloaded vehicles and mules are mostly responsible for pushing the bridge on the verge of collapse.
The District Development Committee, Okhaldhunga had repaired the bridge in 2014.
Construction of motorable bridge that would have acted as long-term alternative has not been completed so far though it was planned to come into operation by 2010. The contractors have extended the deadline to complete the Rs100 million bridge three times.
