Kailali. The construction of a suspension bridge over the Karnali River linking Tikapur Municipality of Kailali and Rajapur Municipality of Bardiya has increased the number of domestic tourists.

The number of domestic tourists coming to observe the beauty of Karnali River and surrounding areas has increased after the construction of the bridge was completed only a few days ago.

“It’s very hot and we go to observe the bridge in the evening to cool down”, said Kiran Chaudhary of Tikapur-5. ”

He said that he has been working as a professional photographer to take pictures on the bridge and create audiovisual materials. Rajesh Chaudhary of Bardiya said, “Earlier, we used to do photography in the intake area of Tikapur Park, Bardiya. ”

With the construction of the bridge, the distance from Tikapur of Kailali and Rajapur of Bardiya has been closer not only for domestic tourists but also from Tikapur of Kailali and Rajapur of Bardiya. With the construction of the bridge, the distance of around 24 kilometres has been reduced to 15 kilometres.

“The tourism potential of the two districts has been linked and it has become easier for the locals to commute”, said Prem Prasad Bhandari, a local, adding, “The number of domestic tourists is expected to increase in Tikapur Park located near the bridge.” This is expected to promote tourism and increase the income of the locals. He expressed the belief that the daily life of the people of Tikapur and Rajapur area would be easier with the promotion of tourism.

The Thani Construction Service which got the deadline till June 25, 2008 BS has completed the construction work in a year. According to Bikram Basnet, manager of the construction company, the bridge has been brought into operation after the construction work was completed on June 24, 2082 BS. “The bridge work has been completed and vehicular movement has been resumed”, he said, adding, “Now preparations are being made for handing over the bridge”. ”

The bridge was scheduled to be inaugurated on June 26 but was halted due to various reasons. The bridge constructed at the cost of around Rs 157.3 million 95,528 is 482 meters long, according to the company’s manager Basnet.

“The bridge over the Karnali River has the potential to become a tourist attraction,” said Sundarlal Tharu, a local. ”

Similarly, two bridges have been constructed over the Karnali River. A bridge over the Karnali River at Sankatti, which connects Tikapur municipality to Geruwa rural municipality of Bardiya district, has been completed and vehicular movement has been resumed.