Mustang. Lomanthang rural municipality of Upper Mustang is constructing a bridge at Chortencho connecting ward no. 1 and 2. The construction of a concrete motorable bridge connecting Jhong Cave and Niphuk Gumba along with ward no. 1 and 2 has reached the final stage by allocating financial equalization budget of the rural municipality.

The rural municipality had signed a contract with Machhapuchchhre Engineering Private Limited for the construction of the bridge at a cost of Rs 7,820,836. Udaya Timilsina, sub-engineer of the rural municipality, said that the work is going on at a fast pace as the deadline for the completion of the bridge has been fixed by January 15. According to him, the physical progress of the under-construction bridge is 60 percent and the financial progress is 20 percent.

Timilsina expressed the belief that the construction of the eight-meter long and five-meter wide concrete bridge was underway and the work would be completed within the stipulated time. He informed that the slope of the bridge along with the two-way foundation wall has reached the final stage.

If the bridge is completed, it will be easier for the tourists returning after visiting Korlana to visit the man-made cave from below the BOP Camp at Nhechung, said Rural Municipality Chair Tasinrbu Gurung. He said that after the reconstruction, vehicles can be easily reached here even in the rainy season.

Chairman Gurung expressed the belief that the construction of the bridge would facilitate the movement of local people as it would connect ward no. 1 and 2 from the rural municipality office center. Chhoser village of Lomanthang Rural Municipality-1 and 2 is 16 km south of Nepal-China North Korala border. Recently, domestic and foreign tourists have been visiting Zhong Cave.