Khurkot Bridge will be operational in three days: Minister Rai

Published On: October 3, 2024 05:47 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Oct 3: The BP Highway and Khurkot bridge, which were damaged due to disaster incidents induced by incessant rain, will be ‘operational within three days’.

Minister for Defense Manbir Rai informed Republica that the government has started the efforts to operate the BP Highway and the bridge of Khurkot which serves as a vital link to Ramechhap, Dolakha, Okhaldhunga, Solukhumbu, and Khotang districts. Especially the residents of Ramechhap district and Likhupike rural municipality of Solukhumbu district have been affected the most due to the loss of road connectivity.

“The ministry has received a report that the works of cleaning and repairing the road is underway, with a target of completion in two days,” Minister Rai informed Republica, “Also, we have received information that a technical team from the Nepalese Army that is going to provide technical support for the operation of the Khurkot bridge. The army team is en route to the site via a helicopter.”

According to him, the Khurkot bridge will be operational in three days.

On Wednesday afternoon, the people’s representatives and leaders of political parties from Okhaldhunga, Solukhumbu, and Udayapur requested Defense Minister Rai to take the initiative for the repair of the BP Highway and Khurkot bridge. The team of leaders who reached the ministry included lawmaker from Udayapur Ambar Bahadur Rayamajhi, former Okhaldung MP and UML central member Yagya Raj Sunuwar, Provincial lawmaker from Koshi Pradip Kumar Sunuwar, and Mayor of Siddhicharan Municipality Tejan Khanal. Upon meeting the minister, the group demanded that the Khurkot bridge be reopened for operation along with the BP Highway which was damaged due to the recent flood.

Minister Rai also informed Republica that the bridge will be put into operation swiftly as the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport will provide the construction materials for the bridge and the technical team from the Nepalese Army will install them.