Tourism Info Nepal

Newly Built Suspension Bridge in Jhapa Draws Crowds of Tourists

Newly Built Suspension Bridge in Jhapa Draws Crowds of Tourists

Despite the cold weather of Poush, children and senior citizens alike are flocking to experience the thrill of the newly constructed suspension bridge over the Timai River in Buddhashanti Rural Municipality, Jhapa. Visitors, armed with mobile cameras, are capturing memories with the bridge as their scenic backdrop. The bridge, which connects Kolbung and Ramite Gauda villages, has quickly become a tourist hotspot, attracting visitors from across eastern Nepal and neighboring Indian states such as Sikkim and West Bengal.

This 477-meter-long D-shaped suspension bridge, touted as the longest in Koshi Province, was constructed to facilitate easier access across the deep Timai gorge. However, its unique design and picturesque location have made it a magnet for photography enthusiasts, TikTok creators, and sightseers. According to Ward No. 7 Chairperson Chandra Prasad Bhandari, the influx of visitors has far exceeded expectations.

The bridge sees daily footfall of 300 to 500 visitors, with the numbers doubling on holidays. This surge in tourism has stimulated economic activity in the surrounding areas. Small food stalls selling snacks like chatpate, pani puri, and seasonal fruits have popped up along the roads leading to the bridge, providing locals with new income opportunities. Chairperson Bhandari noted the growing demand for local refreshments and the rise in small-scale businesses.

Constructed with a federal government budget of NPR 5.98 crore, the bridge was completed within five months. According to Jayaprasad Gupta, an engineer from the Local Infrastructure Department’s Suspension Bridge Division, the bridge can bear a load of 90 metric tons, accommodating up to 647 pedestrians at a time. However, concerns about overcrowding and safety have prompted suggestions for deploying security personnel to monitor the bridge.

The official inauguration of the bridge is scheduled for Poush 25, according to Buddhashanti Rural Municipality Chairperson Manoj Prasai. He revealed plans to rename the bridge, currently known as the Kolbung Gauda–Ramite Gauda Suspension Bridge, to make it more appealing to tourists. Additionally, a green park is under construction on the Ward No. 7 side with a budget of NPR 4.5 crore, aiming to create a serene environment for visitors.

Situated on the border of Jhapa and Ilam, the Timai River has long been known for its deep gorge. Locals and tourists alike are now calling for the introduction of activities such as bungee jumping to further boost its appeal. Nearby attractions, including Dharagola View Tower, Jareber, Thutebar, and Gauda, have added to the area’s charm, promising an even greater influx of tourists in the future.

Ward No. 6 Chairperson Shivaraj Paudel highlighted the bridge’s potential to emulate the success of the Kushma suspension bridge in Parbat, which has become a major tourist draw.

As the popularity of the bridge grows, concerns about safety have emerged. Visitors have reported feeling uneasy when the bridge sways under heavy foot traffic. A young visitor, Jasoda Rajbanshi from Kachankabal–4, suggested the need for stricter monitoring and the deployment of security personnel to prevent accidents.

This iconic suspension bridge not only symbolizes engineering excellence but has also revitalized local tourism, offering economic opportunities and creating a new landmark for eastern Nepal.

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