Rasuwa, October 14
The tourism sector in Rasuwa is expected to recover following the construction of a Bailey bridge over the Phalakhu River in Betrawati.
The area had remained largely deserted for nearly a month and a half after the bridge over the Phalakhu River was washed away by the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26. After 47 days, the bridge has finally come into operation following the efforts of the Nepali Army, restoring road connectivity to the district and access to the trade point with China.
The Nepali Army has constructed a Bailey bridge approximately 74 metres long, restoring vehicular movement in the area. With the bridge now operational, tourists have started travelling to Langtang, one of the world’s renowned tourist destinations, and the sacred pilgrimage site of Gosainkunda.
The resumption of transport services during the tourist season has brought renewed activity to a tourism sector that had remained largely stagnant. On Wednesday morning, a line of vehicles carrying foreign tourists could be seen leaving Dhunche, the district headquarters, for Langtang.
The resumption of road connectivity has brought relief to local residents. Life had become difficult after the mountainous district was cut off from road access, raising concerns that the tourism industry, which involves investments worth billions of rupees, could suffer severe losses.
With the bridge completed and road traffic restored, renewed optimism has emerged among tourists and local businesspeople in Rasuwa.
Local hotel owner Nishan Gajurel said the flood had left hotels empty and bookings were being cancelled rapidly, raising fears that the entire tourist season would be lost.
“After the Bailey bridge was built, tourist activity resumed today. For us, this is an even happier occasion than Dashain and Tihar. We are now hopeful that tourism in Rasuwa will recover,” he said.
The restoration of road connectivity through the Bailey bridge has also made travel to the mountainous region safer and more convenient for people returning home during the festivals, domestic trekkers and foreign tourists.
After a prolonged lull, hotels, resorts and trekking routes in Rasuwa have started welcoming domestic and international tourists again.
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