Key Takeaways:

• A pillar of the Mahakali suspension bridge connecting Bhimdatta and Dodhara-Chandani broke on Wednesday morning
• Around six metres of the bridge deck on the Dodhara side has been lifted, disrupting traffic
• Strong river currents likely caused by high water flow damaged the structure
• A technical team will inspect the bridge to assess the extent of damage and recommend repairs

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 30 Traffic has been disrupted after a pillar of the suspension bridge over the Mahakali River connecting Bhimdatta Municipality and Dodhara-Chandani Municipality broke on Wednesday morning. According to Kanchanpur Police, approximately six metres of the bridge section on the Dodhara side has been lifted, making movement across the bridge unsafe. Deputy Superintendent of Police Tek Bahadur Rawat said a police team has been deployed to the site to manage the situation and prevent accidents. Local authorities said the damage appears to have been caused by the strong flow of water in the Mahakali River following recent heavy rainfall. Bhimdatta-13 Ward Chairperson Ram Bahadur Bohara said intense river currents likely weakened and damaged the bridge pillar. A technical team is expected to inspect the bridge and conduct a detailed assessment of the structure before decisions are made on repair and restoration work. The suspension bridge, constructed around two decades ago, has served as a crucial transport and pedestrian link between Dodhara-Chandani and the rest of the country, facilitating daily travel, trade and access to essential services.