Baglung, Feb. 2: Construction of a 524-metre-long suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River has reached its final stage. It is expected to be completed within a few weeks, four months ahead of the deadline.

 The bridge connects Gauridham of Baglung Municipality-4 and Odare of Jaljala Rural Municipality-8 in Baglung district. 

Suspension Bridge Division Office in Lalitpur informed that 95 per cent of the construction has been completed. The office assigned the contact to Himsikhar Hira Construction Company on July 5, 2022, for Rs. 82.34 million (excluding VAT).

Basanta Gharti Magar, the main representative of the construction company, said, “Almost all structural components of the bridge have been constructed. Once the cables are tensioned, we will install the flooring on both sides of the bridge. We are working rapidly to complete all remaining tasks and make it operational within the next three weeks.”

The bridge is claimed to be the second-longest single-span suspension bridge in the world. 

Ward No. 4 chairman Kumar Bikram Chhetri said that the bridge would significantly reduce the travel time for locals and traders in the Jaljala area to reach Baglung Bazaar. 

He said, “It takes around 1.5 hours for Jaljala locals to reach Baglung Bazaar by foot. After the bridge comes into operation, the travel time will be reduced to 15 minutes.” Additionally, the bridge is expected to attract tourists due to its long and tall features.