Skip to main content

Nepalese bridge issues

In Nepal a 159m long suspension bridge spanning the Trishuli River has collapsed, killing two and injuring 17 while five people are posted as missing. Meanwhile in neighbouring India, an old wooden bridge spanning the Rangit River has collapsed killing 32, injuring 70 and leaving 35 missing. A significant portion of those killed, injured or missing are Nepali speaking tea workers.
May 4, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
In Nepal a 159m long suspension bridge spanning the Trishuli River has collapsed, killing two and injuring 17 while five people are posted as missing. Meanwhile in neighbouring India, an old wooden bridge spanning the Rangit River has collapsed killing 32, injuring 70 and leaving 35 missing. A significant portion of those killed, injured or missing are Nepali speaking tea workers.

The suspension bridge over the Trishuli River was built 18 years ago and connected Bhumlichowk in Gorkha district and Fishling of Chitwan district, close to the Prithivi Highway.

The Indian bridge that collapsed was considerably older and may have dated back before India gained its independence according to sources. The structure was located some 80km from Darjeeling and connected Bijanbari with Chungthung providing a key route for the local tea industry.

On a more positive note, Nepal’s Ministry for Physical Planning and Works has inaugurated work to a bridge over Kamala River. This bridge will connect the Siraha and Dhanusa district headquarters and forms part of the Postal Highway network.

The pre-stressed girder bridge will measure 450m long by 7.5m wide and will be completed within the end of 2014, reducing the current journey distance from Siraha – Janakpur. The country’s new Postal Highways will boost development of the Terai Region and are being prioritised. Work to a further 53 bridges will also form part of the Postal Highway system and some funding will be provided by India.

Related Content

  • Turkey’s Bosporus bridge opening
    August 25, 2016
    Turkey’s Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge over the Bosporus is having its official opening, which is being carried out by senior members of the country’s government including president Recep Erdoğan. The final sections of the deck structure were put into place in March 2016 and the project, which commenced in 2013, has been completed in record time. This is the third bridge to span the Bosporus at Turkey’s commercial centre, Istanbul and the new crossing will form part of the country’s North Marmara Highway pro
  • Tasmanian bridge proposal faces controversy
    October 27, 2020
    The design proposal for a new Tasmanian bridge project faces controversy.
  • Paraguay bridge design revision
    June 12, 2020
    A revision of an important bridge project in Paraguay is being called for.
  • Easing temporary highway danger
    February 22, 2013
    Some of the latest speedometer technology has been successfully trialled in French highway work zones, while tireless work continues across Europe and the United States to reduce the number of work zone deaths and serious injuries involving road workers and motorists. Guy Woodford reports The number of roadworkers being killed and seriously injured on England’s motorways and major trunk roads more than doubled between 2007 and 2010 – from no deaths and 14 serious injuries. This rise has led to to major camp