Rasuwagadhi Border Crossing Reopening Efforts Intensify with Bailey Bridge Construction

Efforts to reopen the country's main northern trade route, Rasuwagadhi, which has been completely shut for the past three months, have gained momentum with the

Efforts to reopen the country's main northern trade route, Rasuwagadhi, which has been completely shut for the past three months, have gained momentum with the construction of a bailey bridge in Syabrubesi starting immediately after Tihar. Although the construction work, which slowed down for a few days due to the festival, has been expedited with the return of workers to the work area, it is still uncertain when vehicles will reach Rasuwagadhi.

According to Saujanya Nepal, Superintendent Engineer at the Federal Road Supervision and Monitoring Office, Kathmandu, the construction of the bailey bridge in Syabrubesi is progressing simultaneously with foundation work on one side and excavation on the other.

Engineer Nepal, who is stationed at the work site, stated that although work was affected for a few days when workers went home before Tihar, it is now proceeding at full capacity. Engineer Nepal said, 'All workers have returned to work immediately after the festival, and work has started at a rapid pace.

It is estimated that the foundation work will take at least 15 to 20 days, but we are aiming to complete it within 15 days if possible.'20-betrawati-road-connection_npl-(4)_tULn3FZuNs.webpAlthough there are no obstructions to vehicle movement from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi currently, it is difficult to transport necessary heavy equipment and materials to the bailey bridge construction site, according to Engineer Nepal.

He mentioned that transporting materials for concreting is challenging due to the complex mountainous terrain and narrow, winding roads. However, he clarified that efforts are being made to install the bailey bridge as soon as possible by completing the foundation work amidst the adverse terrain.

Six Bridges Needed Beyond Syabrubesi: Concrete or Bailey Bridge Still Uncertain

The Rasuwagadhi border crossing will not be open simply by completing the bailey bridge in Syabrubesi. There is a necessity to construct six more bridges to reach Rasuwagadhi, located approximately 15.7 kilometers beyond Syabrubesi. According to technical assessments, three bridges need to be placed within the first two and a half kilometers immediately after crossing Syabrubesi. Engineer Nepal stated that two bridges, each 70 meters long, are immediately required at Rongga Khola and Bhote Koshi once the Syabrubesi bridge is completed.

The length and type of bridges needed in the remaining locations are currently under survey and design study. However, a concrete decision has not yet been made on whether to construct permanent concrete bridges or open the route immediately by installing bailey bridges in those locations.