Vehicular movement resumes after 1 month along Mechi Highway

The Mechi Highway, which was obstructed for a month after the flooding in Hewakhola River, has come into operation by fixing a belly-bridge over the river in Panchthar district.

The Information Officer of District Administration Office, Panchthar, Gaurab Dhungel, said the bailey bridge has come into operation from Sunday evening. The motorable bridge over the Hewakhola was washed away in the flood that occurred a month ago, disrupting the highway.

Since then, road connectivity of Taplejung via Mechi Highway was disconnected, which affected the local residents from travelling to other districts. Likewise, supply of daily essential goods was also affected while pilgrims visiting popular Hindu shrines in Pathibhara were impacted as there was no accessible road network after the flooding.

On Sunday, small vehicles were sent to their destinations through the bailey bridge.

The District Police Office, Panchthar, said that heavy vehicles would also be sent to their destinations gradually by using the new bridge.

The bridge has a bearing capacity of 25 tonnes.