Government to Import 20 Bailey Bridges from India for Flood Relief Efforts

The government plans to bring in 20 bailey bridges from India to provide alternative crossings in areas where bridges have been damaged or swept away by recent floods and landslides. This initiative comes in response to the devastating rainfall on September 27-28, which claimed over 245 lives and caused extensive property damage. In light of the disaster, the government has declared 14 districts as crisis zones for three months to facilitate relief distribution and rehabilitation efforts.

Minister for Physical Infrastructures and Transport, Devendra Dahal, announced the bridge importation during an inspection of the damage in Sindhupalchowk. He stated that the truss bridges would soon be installed at key locations, including Tatopani.

On Tuesday, three federal ministers—Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Defense Minister Manbir Rai, and Minister Dahal—visited Sindhupalchowk to assess the flood-affected areas. They held discussions with officials at the District Administration Office to gather information about the situation.

The ministers inspected the Khurkot Bridge, which links Sindhuli with Ramechhap district, and evaluated the damages in the Bhotekoshi area. Local representatives, security officials, and the Chief District Officer reported on the extensive damage to roads and bridges, highlighting the urgent need for relief distribution, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.