RASUWA, Oct 14: The tourism sector in Rasuwa is expected to come back to life with the construction of a Bailey bridge over the Phalakhu River in Betrawati.
Ever since the disastrous flood in the Bhotekoshi river in the district on August 26 washed away the bridge over the Phalakhu River, the area has been deserted for almost a month and a half.
After 47 days, thanks to the efforts of the Nepali Army, the Bailey bridge is finally operational, bringing the trade checkpoint with China and the tourist district of Rasuwa back into action.
After the Army made what looked like the impossible possible by building a roughly 74-metre-long Bailey bridge, vehicle horns have started blaring.
Related story
Construction of Bailey bridge over Bhote Koshi to take three mo...
With the bridge built, tourists have started flocking to Langtang, one of the world’s famous tourist destinations, and the sacred pilgrimage site Gosainkunda. With transport running during the tourist season, there’s been a sudden boost in the tourism business, which had been stagnant for a long time.
Just this morning (Wednesday), a line of vehicles carrying foreign tourists could be seen leaving via Dhunche, the district headquarters, heading towards the gateway of Langtang.
Resumption of the transportation service has brought cheers among the locals. Life had become difficult here when this mountainous district was cut off from road connection. The risk of the tourism industry, which involves investments worth billions, collapsing had increased.
After the installation of the bridge and resumption of road traffic, a new enthusiasm has returned among tourists and local businesspeople in Rasuwa.
Local hotel owner Nishan Gajurel, says excitedly, “After the flood washed away the bridge, our hotels were empty, and with bookings being canceled rapidly, we were really worried that the whole season might be ruined. But now that the Bailey bridge is built, tourist activity has started from today itself. For us, this is an even happier occasion than Dashain–Tihar. We are now hopeful tourism in Rasuwa will really pick up.”
With the restoration of road connection via the Bailey Bridge, traveling to the mountains has become much safer and more convenient for people returning home during festivals, local trekkers, and foreign tourists.
Breaking the long silence, hotels, resorts, and trekking routes in Rasuwa have started filling up again with foreign and local tourists.