The construction of a motorable bridge over Karnali river, connecting Bardiya and Kailali districts, has benefitted around 200,000 people in Rajapur Tappu area.

Senior Agriculture Development Officer Hikmat Kumar Shrestha said people in the area were compelled to sell paddy in low price due to lack of the bridge.

“Now farmers are happy as they can easily take their produce to market,” he said.

Kedar Thapa, treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bardiya, said transportation of goods has become easier due to the bridge. “A ring road and a postal road are also connected to the bridge,” he said.

The bridge has also improved access of three municipalities and 20 VDCs to several road networks in the district. Roads connecting Murtiha-Hulaki and Mainapokhar-Bansgadhi as well as road sections in Bhurigaun and Gulariya are going to be upgraded. All municipalities and VDCs in the district are now connected with road networks.

The district has now 10 bridges, including four suspension ones, have been constructed in the various parts of the district. Local Development Officer Dilliram Sigdel said the bridge construction and road upgradation has developed transportation sector in the district.