KATHMANDU: The vital bridge that links Dilashaini, Baitadi to Karkale, Darchula has suffered significant damage due to a landslide.

The Bailey Bridge, spanning the Chamelia River and connecting Shailyashikhar Municipality-3 Karkale in Darchula with Dilashaini Rural Municipality-Rudreshwar in Baitadi, has been washed away.

Motorists reported the complete erosion of the bridge’s main pillar towards Darchula in recent days, heightening the risk of accidents. A landslide led to the erosion of the ground beneath the main pillar, intensifying safety concerns.

Truck driver Shersingh Karki highlighted the escalating risk, prompting authorities to prohibit the passage of large vehicles across the compromised bridge.

Communities in Rudreshwar, Simar, Ganna, and surrounding areas in Baitadi relied on this bridge for connectivity. Additionally, vehicles traveling to vital destinations like the Chameliya hydropower project in Darchula and Bitule, Marma, and Makiragad in the Api Himal region utilized this route.

The precarious condition, with the ground eroded beneath the bridge, has raised the risk of accidents. Authorities have imposed restrictions on heavy vehicles until necessary repairs are completed promptly.

The suspension of traffic flow along this route has left vehicles stranded, causing a standstill in the area.