Flooding in the Mahakali River has severely damaged a suspension bridge connecting Dodhara Chandani Municipality and Bhimdatta Municipality in Kanchanpur, disrupting a key route between the two areas.
Police reported that a section of the bridge collapsed into the river around 8 am on Wednesday after floodwaters compromised a central pillar.
Authorities confirmed that the sixth section on the Bhimdatta Municipality-13 side and the third section on the Dodhara Chandani side were affected.
The damaged section fell into the Mahakali River following the pillar’s failure.
Concerns about the bridge’s stability were raised hours before the collapse. Local residents crossing the bridge between 4 and 5 am noticed one section was unusually high and alerted the police.
The damaged section ultimately gave way around 8 am, leading authorities to close the direct route between Dodhara Chandani and Bhimdatta.
Technical Team to Assess Bridge Damage
Authorities plan to send a technical team to assess the extent of the damage.
Jagat Prasad Joshi, director of the Sudurpaschim Province Transport Infrastructure Directorate, confirmed that officials have been informed and are organizing a technical evaluation.
He noted that the full extent of the damage will be determined after a thorough inspection by the technical team.
Bridge Built in 2004
The suspension bridge, completed in 2004, has been a vital crossing for local residents.
With the direct route now closed, travelers between the two areas must use an alternative crossing located about two kilometers upstream, which features a concrete bridge over the Mahakali River.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about flooding and river-control infrastructure in the Mahakali corridor.
Recent flood-control measures in the region have included the construction of concrete embankments along the Mahakali and Jogbudha rivers, as well as protective works around the Dodhara Chandani suspension bridge.
Further details about the bridge’s condition and necessary repairs are expected after the technical assessment.