In a significant development for Tila Rural Municipality-1, the construction of a motorable steel truss bridge over the Tila River is in its final stages. This infrastructure project, once completed, promises to transform the connectivity of Wards 6, 7, 8, and 9, which were previously isolated from the road network.
The completion of the bridge will enable vehicular access to these wards, greatly benefiting the residents. Asa Basnet, the Ward Chairman of Tila-8, highlighted that the establishment of the bridge, alongside the existing rural roads, will provide much-needed relief to the local community by facilitating easier and quicker transportation.
The project is approximately 90% complete, with only the decking work remaining. Sunam Khadka, the manager of the construction company Hira Chand Anjana Khadka JV Jumla, assured that the steel truss bridge would be operational within the next six months. The project, which began in the Nepali year 2078, was contracted with the Jumla Road Division Office for a three-year period, and is progressing as scheduled.
Chitra Chaulagain, the Information Officer of the Road Division Office, stated that the bridge is being built with a budget of NPR 140 million under the Department of Roads, Federal Government. The bridge will span 55 meters in length and 8 meters in width. The construction company is committed to completing the project promptly, and all developmental projects within the office’s jurisdiction are being closely monitored and evaluated for swift execution.
Upon completion, the bridge over the Tila River will significantly ease the movement of local residents, students, and patients, according to Moti Lal Rokaya, the Chairman of Tila Rural Municipality. Currently, traveling between the village and the market takes approximately five to seven hours. The bridge will drastically reduce this travel time, offering a more convenient and accessible route for everyone.
This infrastructure development is poised to not only enhance the daily lives of the local residents but also boost local tourism. The improved connectivity will make it easier for tourists to visit the remote and scenic areas of Tila, thus promoting tourism and contributing to the local economy. Samir Rawat, a local resident of Tila-9, expressed optimism that the new bridge would bring substantial relief and development to their geographically remote wards.
With its potential to attract more visitors and improve the local economy, the completion of the Tila River bridge marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards greater accessibility and growth in tourism.
