BAGLUNG: A culvert has been constructed in Galkot Municipality in Baglung as an alternative to a suspension bridge, providing easier access for small vehicles and pedestrians. Several culverts have now been built across the municipality to improve connectivity.
The new culvert was built after the suspension bridge over the Mulakhola in Narethanti, Galkot-2, was washed away by floods.
The original bridge, destroyed in the floods of 2072 BS, was replaced during the construction of a motorway. Since then, four culverts have been constructed in Narethanti, replacing previously existing suspension bridges.
The culvert was constructed at a cost of Rs. 2 million, targeting residents traveling from Narethanti Bazaar to the upper settlements of the former Narethanti VDC Wards 1, 2, and 3.
According to Galkot Municipality Spokesperson Him Bahadur Bhandari, the new culvert has made travel significantly easier for residents of Chaap, Ramche, Torikhola, and other upper settlements.
This issue was resolved through the construction of a 6.5-meter-long culvert-type bridge, implemented by the Infrastructure Development Office of the Gandaki Province Government in Baglung. The culvert was built by the local community through a Consumers’ Committee with a budget of Rs. 2 million.
Consumers’ Committee Chairman Shree Krishna Bhandari stated that the suspension bridge has been replaced by the culvert on an alternative road to the highway.
In the event of a blockade on the Mid-Hill Highway, the Narethanti–Faparkheti–Chaap rural road will serve as an alternative route, and the culvert ensures year-round vehicular movement.
Chandra Pun, an engineer at the Infrastructure Development Office, confirmed that the short bridge has provided significant relief to the locals.
The former Narethanti VDC is characterized by numerous creeks, gullies, and rivers, prompting the earlier construction of suspension bridges due to the high risk of flooding during the rainy season. Now, with the upgrading of the motor road and the construction of culverts, these suspension bridges are being phased out.
Engineer Pun added that the suspension bridge has become obsolete following the construction of four concrete culvert-type bridges in Narethanti.
The municipality is currently planning to relocate the unused suspension bridges to other areas where they are still needed.
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