A new suspension bridge has been constructed over the Jhimruk River, linking Arkha Lamidanda of Gaumukhi Rural Municipality-1 with Rajwara Deurali-3. Spanning 374 meters and standing 180 meters high, the bridge is now one of the prominent infrastructures in the region.

Beyond easing travel for locals, the bridge has become a popular spot for photography and social media content. Ninety-year-old Tul Bahadur Thapa remarked that the bridge has not only reduced physical distance but also brought people emotionally closer. “The bridge has created a bond between the two villages. Earlier, even a short meeting required a day’s journey,” he shared.

Residents are pleased that the suspension bridge has overcome the challenges posed by the region’s difficult terrain. Gaumukhi Rural Municipality Chairperson Bishnu Kumar Giri noted that since the bridge’s completion, people have been flocking daily to take photos and make TikTok videos.

Although the original construction deadline was November, the bridge was completed ahead of schedule in June. Built by Upper Tamakoshi JV Company under an agreement with the Suspension Bridge Division Office in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, the project cost a total of Rs 27.274m.

For many locals who had only heard of such high-altitude bridges in districts like Baglung and Parbat, witnessing the construction firsthand was a moment of wonder. The foundation stone was laid by Member of Parliament Surya Thapa on 28 Nov 2024.

The bridge is also seen as a potential tourism asset and with its height and length, it is poised to rank among the top 10 suspension bridges in Nepal. The rural municipality plans to promote it as a tourism destination, particularly for photography and video shoots.