SATV, Kathmandu, July. 30 - A 120-metre-long bridge of glass has been constructed in Suryodaya Municipality of Ilam district.
The bridge, built at Manedanda in Ward No. 8 of Suryodaya Municipality, is a joint investment of the federal government and the municipality. It is 120 metres long and around 1.5 metres wide. According to Ashish Subedi, an engineer at Suryodaya Municipality, about 95 per cent of the construction has been completed.
The project was awarded to BAT Construction Company in 2022 at a contract value of Rs. 76,178,371. Installation of the glass panels has already been completed, he said.
The bridge stands 60 metres above the ground and has been built to promote tourism at the scenic destination. The municipality plans to inaugurate it in September to coincide with World Tourism Day.
Only external beautification works remain to be completed. Landscaping, electricity installation, tiling and the construction of a viewing platform are under way, after which the bridge will be formally opened to visitors.
Acting mayor of Suryodaya Municipality, Durga Kumar Baral, said the bridge would come into operation once the contractor completed the remaining work and formally handed over the project.
He expressed confidence that the bridge would boost tourism not only in Suryodaya Municipality but across Ilam district.
“We are trying to add a new dimension to tourism. We expect the bridge to attract even more domestic and international visitors,” Baral said.
Engineer Subedi said the bridge had been fitted with specialised safety glass that develops visible crack-like patterns when walked upon, creating a thrilling experience for visitors without compromising safety.
The municipality said the site cannot remain open throughout the year because it is frequently covered by dense fog. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the plains of Jhapa, India’s Darjeeling, Mirik and Siliguri, as well as the mountain range.
The municipality plans to operate the bridge itself and expects to attract hundreds of visitors every day. Separate entry fees have been fixed for domestic and foreign tourists.
Previously declared a tourism town by the Koshi Province Government, Suryodaya Municipality receives domestic and international visitors throughout the year. Popular destinations such as Kanyam and Antu attract tourists in every season.
Other attractions in the municipality include Thumkedanda, Chitre Gumba, Buddha Park, Swami Park, Phensong Gumba, Jimi Raja-Jimi Rani, Pashupatinagar Forest Park and the Three-Tier Waterfall.
