Ilam, August 18
Locals of Ilam Municipality Wards No. 8 and 10 are elated following the construction of a suspension bridge over the Mai River at Kailatar. The 179-metre-long bridge, which connects the two wards, was constructed for eight million 471 thousand and 460 rupees with financial support from the Koshi Province government. Ranjay Singh, head of the Infrastructure Development Office, Ilam, said the bridge, constructed along the Tilkeni-Silpur road, has made travel easier and reduced commuting time for residents.
Locals said the bridge has eliminated the need to make lengthy detours via Rajduwali and Simalgolai roads, particularly during the rainy season when crossing the river becomes difficult. Santosh Gole of Ilam Municipality-8 said the bridge has significantly eased travel between the two wards. “In winter, it was easy to cross the river as the water level remained low. But during the rainy season, even short trips required a long detour through either Rajduwali or Simalgolai.
Now, we no longer face that problem,” he said. Gole added that the bridge has also become a popular spot for visitors, with increasing numbers of people coming to the area to spend time, make TikTok videos and take photographs. Dalman Tamang, ward chairperson of Ilam Municipality-8, said the bridge has also been used as an alternative route between Ilam and Jhapa by motorcyclists after the Ilam-Rajduwali section of the Mechi Highway was blocked by a landslide. The new bridge is therefore serving not only as a vital link between the two wards but also as an important alternative transportation route for residents of the area.
