New Bridge Boosts Tourism and Connectivity in Kailali and Bardiya

Kailali. The construction of a suspension bridge over the Karnali River in Daulatpur, connecting Tikapur Municipality of Kailali and Rajapur Municipality of Bardiya, has led to a surge in domestic tourists.

Following the completion of the bridge and the commencement of traffic a few days ago, there has been a significant increase in domestic tourists coming to observe the beauty of the Karnali River and its surrounding plains, and to escape the heat.

"It's very hot, so we go to see the bridge in the evening for coolness," said Kiran Chaudhary of Tikapur-5. "There are more visitors here than we expected."

He mentioned that they are providing services as professional photographers for those taking pictures and creating audio-visual content on the bridge. "We used to do photography work at Tikapur Park and the intake area of Bardiya," said Rajesh Chaudhary of Bardiya. "In the last few days, with the increase in visitors coming to see the bridge, we have been earning a good income and don't need to go elsewhere."

The bridge has not only benefited domestic tourists but has also shortened the distance between Tikapur in Kailali and Rajapur in Bardiya. The distance has been reduced from approximately 24 kilometers to 15 kilometers, and the risky journey by boat has been eliminated forever.

"It has facilitated travel for local citizens, in addition to connecting the tourism potential of the two districts," said local Premprasad Bhandari. "There is an expectation that the number of domestic tourists will also increase at Tikapur Park, which is close to the bridge. This is expected to promote tourism and increase the income of the locals." He expressed confidence that tourism promotion will also make the daily lives of the citizens of Tikapur and Rajapur areas easier.

Thani Nirman Sewa, which had a deadline of Ashad 11, 2084 BS, has completed the work in one year. Construction company manager Vikram Basnet informed that the work on the project, which was contracted on Ashad 11, 2082 BS, has been completed and the bridge is operational. "The work on the bridge has been completed and traffic has started," he said. "The handover process is also underway."

The bridge was scheduled to be inaugurated on Ashad 12, but it was postponed due to various reasons. Company manager Basnet informed that the bridge, built at a cost of approximately Rs 157,395,528, is 482 meters long.

"The bridge built over the Karnali River has the potential to become a tourist attraction, not just for ease of travel," said local Sundarlal Tharu. "In that case, other commercial activities are expected to increase, and the income of the locals is expected to grow."

Similarly, two bridges have been completed over the Karnali River. A concrete bridge over the Karnali River at Sankatti, connecting Tikapur Municipality with Geruwa Rural Municipality of Bardiya, has also been completed and is operational.