Flood Damage in Rasuwa Affects 41 Permanent and 45 Suspension Bridges: What is the Status of Bailey Bridges in Nepal?

Following the destruction of dozens of permanent and suspension bridges by floods in Rasuwa, an immediate decision has been made to install Bailey bridges at three locations. Officials have also indicated that studies for constructing bridges over several other rivers are underway. Gopal Prasad Sigdel, Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, reported that 41 government and some hydropower project permanent bridges, 45 suspension bridges, and approximately 40 kilometers of road have sustained damage. He stated, “Although it is not feasible to reconstruct all these bridges immediately, the process of installing Bailey bridges at three sites to restore connectivity is already underway.”

According to Sigdel, the new bridges planned include the Tadi Ma-Galchi to Nuwakot bridge, the bridge on the route to Rasuwa Gadhi in Betrawati, and the Trishuli bridge in Bidur, Nuwakot. Vijay Jaisi, Director General of the Department of Roads, mentioned that 30 bridges under his management have been damaged and work is ongoing to identify other potential locations. He added, “Apart from the three finalized sites, we are exploring various possibilities including Furke Khola, which links Dhading Besi, where an 80-meter Bailey bridge is needed but is currently not available within our inventory.”

Currently, Nepal’s Department of Roads possesses eleven Bailey bridges each measuring 50 meters in length, while the Nepal Army holds two Bailey bridges of 76 meters of two different types. Secretary Sigdel expressed confidence that the available Bailey bridges can immediately strengthen critical connectivity networks. He further added, “Plans are also in place to gradually construct permanent bridges or install additional Bailey bridges in the future.”

The Department of Roads has estimated preliminary damages to bridges and roads at approximately NPR 3 billion. Although temporary by design, Bailey bridges have been in use in Nepal for many years. Officials have stated that these bridges undergo continuous monitoring and are generally expected to be used for one to two years.