Suspension bridge brings relief to Mohanpur residents after decades of hardship

Kailali: Residents of Mohanpur in Kailari Rural Municipality-3 have finally found relief after the construction of a suspension bridge over the Mohana River, connecting the village with Bhitriya in Ward No. 4.

Mohanpur, home to 95 families with 525 residents, had long struggled with mobility challenges since their settlement in 2036 BS. Without a bridge, locals were compelled to cross the river at great personal risk to access schools, markets, and medical facilities.

“With the construction of this suspension bridge, life has become much easier,” said Sheetal Prasad Dangaura, Bhalmansa of Mohanpur village. “Earlier, villagers faced immense difficulties seeking medical treatment, sending children to school, or harvesting crops. Now, movement has become safe and convenient.”

For decades, residents relied on makeshift solutions. In winter, they crossed the river on wooden planks for 35 years, and during other times, they used wooden boats. With support from the Nepal Red Cross Society and Mercycor, a boat and life jackets were provided, allowing villagers to cross by boat for 12 years. However, that struggle has now ended with the completion of the suspension bridge.

“School children were the most affected. Now, after the bridge was built this Jestha, commuting has become much easier,” said local resident Chuniram Dangaura Tharu. “Earlier, we had to cross the river by boat just to buy goods from the market. Now, we can move around freely and happily.”

The bridge, built at a cost of Rs 34.3 million, was constructed under the Suspension Bridge Division of the Local Infrastructure Department, Ministry of Urban Development, Federal Government. The construction contract was awarded to MP Thegim Sunlight JV Nepalgunj Banke on Asoj 13, 2078 BS, and the project was completed on Magh 10 last year.