Rajapur, Dec 18  Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport and Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising laid the foundation stone of a multispan suspension bridge over the Karnali River on Wednesday, connecting Bardiya and Kailali districts.

The Daulatpurghat suspension bridge will link Rajapur Municipality-1 of Bardiya with Tikapur Municipality-5 of Kailali. The bridge will be 482.20 meters long and 1.60 meters wide, benefiting around 2,000 households from both areas. Necessary support structures have also been constructed at the midpoint of the bridge.

At present, locals rely on boats to cross the Karnali River, which become unusable during the rainy season. Once the bridge is completed, residents will be able to cross the river safely throughout the year.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony, Minister Ghising said the bridge would contribute significantly to the development of Rajapur and Tikapur as tourist destinations. He added that the bridge would make it easier for residents of Daulatpur to access campuses, hospitals and markets in Tikapur, as well as transport agricultural products.

Minister Ghising directed the concerned authorities to complete the construction within the stipulated timeframe. According to Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gopal Sigdel, the bridge is scheduled to be completed by July 30.

Rajapur Municipality Mayor Dipesh Tharu and Tikapur Municipality Mayor Ramlal Dagoura Tharu said the bridge would serve as an important link between Lumbini and Far-Western provinces. The contract for the construction has been awarded at a cost of Rs 157.4 million, including VAT.