Jhapa. The suspension bridge constructed over the Mechi River at Pathamari of Kachankawal-5, the lowest rural municipality of the country, is becoming a new tourist destination. The bridge was built at a cost of Rs 41.22 million and the length of the bridge is 442.40 meters.

Nur Alam, chairperson of Kachankawal-5, said that with the operation of the suspension bridge near the Indian border, the tourists from both countries have started visiting the area. “It has now become easier for the citizens of both countries to cross the Mechi River”, he said, adding that the long suspension bridge constructed over the river has become the centre of tourist attraction. ’

Although an agreement was signed with Nilgiri Mahavir JV on December 3, 2073 BS, it took time to complete the bridge due to lack of budget. Earlier, the locals used to cross the river in wooden boats for two hours during the rainy season due to lack of bridge over the river.

Jhattu Haluwai, a local, said that the long-standing wish of the locals of Kachankawal to cross the bridge at Mechi has been fulfilled. “People living in border areas have to travel from one country to another for many works. There was a long-standing desire to build a bridge over Mechi. Finally, it has come true. ’

The bridge over the Mechi River passes Nepali territory on both sides. Nepal owns more than 30 bighas of land on the eastern side of the bridge across the Mechi River. On the Indian side, there is a market called Pathmari, while the eastern part of the bridge is called Dhobivitta.

Ward chair Alam said the bridge was brought into operation on September 14 to facilitate the locals to cross the river as the festival season has already arrived. Stating that the access road on both sides of the bridge remains to be upgraded, he said only pedestrians and cyclists have been allowed to travel for the time being.

Ward chair Alam said the access road would be upgraded so that motorbikes can ply after a month. According to him, Kachankawal area has become the center of tourist attraction as it is the low land of Nepal. He also stressed the need of publicizing the Pokhari, Gandharva settlements and suspension bridges for tourism promotion.