The Khurkot bridge over the Sunkoshi river has brought happiness to people of Ramechhap, Dolakha and Sindhupalchok, as it connects the three districts and the enhanced mobility has immensely helped in economic development. 

Three years ago, people had to walk for two days to reach Tarai districts and at least for 12 hours to reach Kathmandu from Ramechhap district. Now, the travelling time to the Capital has come down to four hours. Travelling to Bardibas is a matter of three hours, thanks to the bridge. 

Ferrying goods was equally a tough task, as people had to carry loads to eastern Hill districts through a suspension bridge in Khurkot. 

Kumar Lama of Dhobi said they prices of essential goods used to rocket by the time they reached the districts earlier. The bridge now is a vital lifeline for people of eastern Hill districts. 

Ferrying bricks from Tarai districts to rebuild quake-damaged houses would have been simply impossible had there not been this bridge, say locals. 

“The Khurkot bridge now connects Ramechhap and Dolakha districts directly to Tarai districts,” said Rakesh Maharjan, chief of Division Road Office, Khurkot, adding that five more major bridges are being constructed. 

Arjun Raya of Bethan said Hill areas of Sindhuli and Ramechhap will be accessible to road networks after the completion of a bridge in Khaireni.