A Dying Bridge

It has already been more than 5 months since the last vehicle crossed the crippled bridge. The bridge over the Bagmati River joining Old Baneshwor and Sinamangal was one among many dying bridges in Kathmandu when it finally cracked after nearly 52 years of service. According to locals it was the month of Bhadra when the bridge finally gave up under increased vehicular movements, lack of repair and sand digging. Any vehicular movement over the bridge has been banned since.

Life has taken alternative ways for people living in this area. Suraj Puri who is a student at a nearby college said, “It now takes longer time for me to go to my gym classes because I have to take the alternative route.” A diversion bridge has been constructed and vehicles need to take a detour. This has had an impact on the life of people living in this area. Daily transportation and business are most affected. Larger vehicles cannot pass through the diversion bridge that was constructed about one and half months after the main bridge was blocked off. Although a temporary solution, the diversion bridge has served its purpose. Tempos and microbuses can be seen going through the bridge.

The effects on local business are prominent. Savendra Shrestha, a local retailer laments, “Customers are no longer coming in numbers as they used to since the main bridge has been closed and I am also finding it difficult to bring in goods for my shop.” The Sinamangal area also has a hospital. The hospital’s ambulance used to take the route through the main bridge but now it has to take the longer route.

The soon to come monsoons is already giving nightmares to the local people. Rudra Prasad Lamichhane who owns a local stationary said, “It is going to be more difficult for us during the monsoons because the road going through the diversion bridge is not in a good condition and matters are going to be worse as the rain starts to pour.” This issue has to be addressed by the local authority as soon as possible other wise come monsoon it will be difficult for people to cross the diversion bridge.

Life in Sinamangal area has found ways to adjust to this new scenario where a dying bridge is- counting its last breaths and while still carrying the load of more than a few pedestrians. The government is just an onlooker.