KATHMANDU, Oct 13: The government is planning to construct a total of 731 bridges across the country this year (fiscal year 2023/24). The Department of Local Infrastructure (DoLI) reports that some of these include suspension bridges that were under construction since last year. Mahesh Chandra Neupane, the spokesperson of DoLI, mentioned that the completion of old projects and the addition of new ones will be regular occurrences.
According to DoLI, 741 bridges were completed last year, surpassing the target of 720 bridges by 21. The projects were executed by the federal, state, and local governments.
"Overall, the progress of the suspension bridges is good,” said Spokesperson Neupane.
Nine suspension bridges constructed in Myagdi
He said that suspension bridges are being constructed at a distance of one hour apart.
The government is going to change the standard of suspension bridges from one hour's journey (distance to travel on foot) to half an hour.
He said that it is going to be done based on the belief that citizens should get services easily and quickly.
The government's focus on constructing suspension bridges is to enable citizens, especially in rural areas, to cross rivers where road facilities are lacking or where construction of motorable bridges is not possible immediately. In recent times, some of the bridges built in remote areas for mobility of citizens have also become attraction for tourists.
