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Key Points

India and Nepal have jointly inaugurated the country's longest modular bridge over Hewa Khola river. The 70-meter structure was built with Indian technical assistance and grant funding following devastating floods. Nepali engineers gained valuable hands-on experience during the challenging installation process. This vital infrastructure enhances connectivity across Koshi province's northern and southern regions.

Key Points: India Inaugurates Nepal's Longest Modular Bridge in Panchthar

  • Bridge links northern and southern parts of Koshi province
  • Built with NPR 40 crore Indian grant after 2024 floods
  • Installation involved 21 Indian technicians and Nepali engineers
  • Provides vital connectivity on Mechi Highway between districts
2 min read

Nepal's longest modular bridge, built with Indian assistance inaugurated in Panchthar

Indian Ambassador and Nepal's Transport Minister inaugurate 70-meter Hewa Khola bridge, enhancing Koshi province connectivity with Indian grant assistance.

"35 professionals of Nepal gained hands-on experience in the erection of modular bridges - Indian Embassy in Nepal"

Kathmandu, August 20

A seventy-meter span modular bridge built with Indian assistance over the Hewa Khola (river) has been inaugurated on Wednesday.

The Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, and the Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, jointly inaugurated the bridge, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced.

https://x.com/indiainnepal/status/1958152982350172261?s=12

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy wrote, "Ambassador @IndiaInNepal and Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport of Nepal jointly inaugurated a 70-meter span modular bridge built over Hewa Khola in Panchthar district."

This bridge is the longest such bridge ever installed in Nepal, linking the northern and southern parts of Koshi province. The installation of the Hewa Khola bridge was done by a team of technicians of @OfficialGRSE. In the process, 35 professionals of Nepal gained hands-on experience in the erection of modular bridges at the site, resulting in capacity building in this niche domain," the post added.

According to the Indian Embassy, India provided 10 prefabricated steel bridges to Nepal, in the aftermath of September 2024 floods, at a cost of over NPR 40 crore under a grant for restoring vital road infrastructure damaged by flooding and enhancing connectivity."

Installation of the bridge over the Hewa Khola had been a daunting task for the Nepali technicians, as it had continued to collapse before completion. The bridge was completed on the third attempt with the assistance of Indian technicians.

Hewakhola lies at Mechi Highway, which flows separating Panchthar's Phidim and Hilihang. The highway connects Panchthar and Taplejung to Ilam and Jhapa.

Thirty engineers, comprising 21 Indian technicians, were mobilised for the installation of the bridge.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is what true neighborhood partnership looks like! Helping each other in times of need after the floods. The bridge collapsing twice before shows how challenging this project was. Kudos to both Indian and Nepali engineers for making it happen on the third attempt 👏
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Aman W
While I appreciate the assistance, I hope such projects are implemented with proper environmental assessments. Himalayan regions are ecologically sensitive and infrastructure projects must balance development with environmental protection.
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Sarah B
As someone who has traveled in that region, the connectivity challenges are real. This bridge will make a huge difference for local communities - easier access to markets, healthcare, and education. Good work by both governments!
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Vikram M
NPR 40 crore grant is substantial! This shows India's commitment to helping neighbors in need. The technical knowledge transfer is more valuable than the money itself - now Nepali engineers can build more such bridges independently.
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Nisha Z
Connectivity in hilly areas is always challenging. Hope this bridge withstands future monsoon seasons. The collaboration between 21 Indian and Nepali technicians shows how technical expertise can transcend borders for common good 💪

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