Kathmandu, July 27: Construction of a 40-meter-long Bailey bridge over the Lotikhola River in Chankheli Rural Municipality has been completed, significantly improving connectivity between Humla and Mugu districts. Built at a height of 10 meters above the Karnali River, the bridge cost Rs 49.8 million and was implemented by the Infrastructure Development Office.

According to Chief Engineer Naresh Raj Jaisi, the bridge replaces the risky wooden and seasonal temporary structures previously used by locals to cross the river. The new bridge provides year-round access for residents of Chankheli and surrounding areas.

Before the construction, villagers were forced to rely on a Tuin (rope crossing) or unstable wooden bridges, particularly during winter when the river level dropped. Chairman of Chankheli Rural Municipality Pyari Lal Shahi noted that the new bridge eliminates the dangerous daily commutes to Piplang, the rural municipality center.

Additionally, the bridge facilitates pilgrimage and tourism travel. It enables smoother routes for citizens of Mugu, Jumla, and Humla visiting destinations like Kailash Mansarovar and Rara Lake.

The Bailey bridge, part of the Rural Access Programme Phase 3 (RAP 3), took nearly four years to complete and connects Salisalla of Chankheli to Bhatyachaur in Mugu. The formal agreement for the project was signed on December 10, 2081 BS with the Infrastructure Development Directorate under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development, Karnali Province.

The Humla-Mugu link is scheduled to be formally inaugurated in August.