Kanchanpur, Oct 2: The collapse of a historic suspension bridge over the Mahakali River has saddened residents of Dodhara Chandani, who see the structure as more than a transport link. For decades, it served as a symbol of the settlement’s connection with the rest of Nepal and later became a major tourist attraction.
The bridge became impassable on Wednesday after its third pillar on the Dodhara Chandani side collapsed.
Bhim Bahadur Singh, 77, a former ward member of Dodhara Chandani 4, visited the damaged bridge on Thursday. Singh once operated boats across the Mahakali, ferrying residents before the bridge transformed local travel.
“I was moved to tears when I saw the bridge,” Singh said. “It gave Dodhara Chandani an identity across the country and abroad.”
Established around 1965 near the Indian border, Dodhara Chandani remained geographically isolated for decades. Residents once had to cross the Mahakali by boat or travel through India via the Banbasa Bridge to reach other parts of Kanchanpur.
Construction of the suspension bridge began in 2001. Once it opened, residents gained direct access to the rest of Nepal without relying on Indian territory.
Singh, who operated boats for about 20 years from 1978, said the bridge marked the beginning of major changes in the area. Dodhara Chandani has since gained other infrastructure, including a four lane Mahakali bridge, an access road and a dry port.
Local resident Tika Bhatta said the newer bridge means transportation will not be seriously disrupted, but the suspension bridge carries historical and tourism value for the entire Sudurpaschim region.
Provincial Tourism Minister Prakash Rawal and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak have also called for its early reconstruction.
Bheemdatt Municipality 13 Ward Chair Ram Bahadur Bohara blamed inadequate maintenance for the deterioration of the 22-year-old structure and called for an immediate technical assessment.
Local residents say restoring the bridge is also important for businesses dependent on visitors, particularly during the Dashain and Tihar festival season.
“The bridge had become Dodhara Chandani’s identity,” Bohara said. “Tourists visiting Kanchanpur rarely returned without seeing it.”
People’s News Monitoring Service
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