KATHMANDU: Direct transportation between Baglung and Parbat resumed on Monday at 10 a.m. following the reconstruction of the approach road to the Maldhunga bridge.
The route had been blocked for 15 days after floods in the Kaligandaki River on Sept. 27 washed away the bridge’s approach on the Parbat side.
The Road Division Office in Pokhara deployed technical teams and workers to carry out repairs on a 24-hour basis. Personnel from the Nepal Police, Nepal Army and Armed Police Force were also mobilized to assist in the restoration efforts.
The closure of the bridge severely affected residents across various districts in western Nepal, including Baglung, Rolpa, Rukum, Jajarkot, Dolpa and Salyan.
The disruption occurred during the Dashain festival, impacting local markets, hotel operations and tourism. Tourist arrivals to key destinations such as the Baglung Kalika Temple, Panchakot and Dhorpatan had declined significantly, while the transport of essential goods also faced major delays.
The Maldhunga bridge serves as a vital link for the Mid-Hill Highway and the Kaligandaki Corridor. Local business owners expressed hope that the reopening of the bridge will restore traffic flow and revitalize the region’s trade and tourism sectors.
