Nepal races to rebuild roads and bridges washed away by floods
Summary
Floods on the Bhotekoshi river have washed away dozens of bridges across northern Nepal, severing key road links and prompting an urgent effort to reopen roads and install temporary Bailey bridges. Nepal has requested bridge support from India and China as reconstruction costs are estimated at Rs50 billion.
Key Points
- The Bhotekoshi river floods destroyed 41 motorable bridges between Rasuwa and Chitwan and damaged four others, leaving only 18 intact along the corridor.
- The Department of Roads and the Nepali Army are reopening damaged tracks and installing temporary Bailey and Acrow bridges at key crossings.
- Nepal has sought temporary bridges from India and China, with China already sending two 100-metre Bailey bridges and technicians to help install them.
- The floods caused an estimated Rs30 billion in damage, and rebuilding the roads and bridges is expected to cost about Rs50 billion.
