The iconic suspension footbridge over the Mahakali river, linking Dodhara Chandani with the rest of Nepal, was found damaged overnight, according to Amrit BK, the disaster focal person at Dodhara Chandani Municipality.

The extent and cause of the damage are not yet known and will require a technical inspection. Damage has been reported on the third span of the bridge on the Dodhara Chandani side, which connects the municipality with Bhimdatta Municipality. Disaster management authorities are monitoring the bridge.

The damage has raised concerns among residents, who use the bridge for daily travel. The 1.5-km suspension bridge crosses the Mahakali river and provides a direct route between Dodhara Chandani and other parts of Nepal.

Before the bridge was built, residents of Dodhara Chandani had to travel through India to reach the district headquarters in Mahendranagar and other parts of Nepal. Travel became harder during the monsoon when the Mahakali’s flow increased. 

The suspension bridge was built across the river around 2001. Its construction allowed residents to travel to Mahendranagar and other parts of Nepal without passing through India. It also improved access to markets, schools and health facilities and expanded social and economic links with other parts of the country.

Dodhara Chandani had long been geographically separated from the rest of Nepal after the Mahakali changed its course, leaving India as the easiest route to the area. Previously, residents relied on Indian markets for daily goods, medical treatment and other services.

A four-lane road bridge has since been built across the Mahakali, making it easier for larger vehicles to enter and leave Dodhara Chandani. The suspension bridge remains used by pedestrians and for local travel. Over the past two decades, it has also become a tourist attraction.

The local government and other agencies are expected to inspect the bridge. Authorities will determine what repairs and safety measures are needed.

Kanchanpur Chief District Officer Madan Koirala has urged people using the bridge to take caution around the damaged section and avoid crossing when conditions are unsafe. He said the local government and other agencies were coordinating repairs.