Makeshift bridge in Sinja where a new Bailey bridge is set to be installed. Photo: TRN

After years of uncertainty, two motorable Bailey bridges connecting Sinja Rural Municipality with the Nagma-Gamgadhi Highway are finally confirmed for construction.

According to the rural municipality’s plan, one of the bridges will be built at Kotesanghu, which was damaged during the devastating 2022 floods, while another will connect Runukhana village.

Sinja Rural Municipality Chairman Purna Prasad Dhital said the federal government has provided an additional grant of Rs. 13.9 million, prompting the municipality to allocate an additional Rs. 20 million for the project. “These two bridges are the biggest and most important infrastructure projects of the fiscal year, and we have given them top priority,” he said.

The total estimated cost of the two bridges is Rs. 70 million. Out of this, contracts worth Rs. 33.9 million have already been signed this year to push the work forward. Once completed, the bridges will directly connect Sinja to the Nagma-Gamgadhi Highway, ending the detour locals currently take through Acharyalihi due to the absence of a bridge at Kotesanghu.

The Runukhana bridge project had been left incomplete for nearly a year. The devastating flood of 2022 also washed away the bridge connecting three villages of Sinja, making travel extremely difficult. Currently, only pedestrians can cross the area, while motorcycles and vehicles are restricted.

Locals have expressed happiness over the municipality’s decision to prioritise bridge construction. “These bridges are crucial for people’s mobility and students’ safety,” said local Himmat Khatri. “We had to take long detours and students risked their lives to reach school. Once the bridges are built, travel will be much easier and safer.”

The new bridges are expected to significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance access to essential services for Sinja’s residents.

By Netra Shahi