By Nabin Shishir BK
Baglung, Jan. 5: Deemed as the longest of its kind in the world, the suspension bridge over Kaligandaki River connecting Baglung to Parbat, has become a major source of attraction not only by the day but also after dark.
With over 300 lights installed, the ‘lit’ pedestrian bridge has begun luring domestic and foreign tourists alike. In the piercing darkness of the roaring Kaligandaki below and the surrounding green forest, the glowing curvature of the bridge stands out like a sore thumb. To witness its marvel, inhabitants of nearby Baglung Bazaar, Parbat’s Pang region swarm the Baglung Parbat Footbridge.
“I have come here solely to snap a few pictures of the shining bridge during the night,” said Arjun Sharma of Baglung’s Ramrekha. “It’s a sight worth seeing. I have only ever seen such a bridge in YouTube videos,” added Sharma, clearly smitten at seeing the long structure in his own country.
Like Sharma, many visiting the footbridge, especially after sunset are staying overnight at the district headquarter’s hotels much to the pleasure of local businesses.
One such enthused traveller is Ghanshyam BK, who has come all the way from Butwal just to witness the lights. “My only intention was to watch the bridge by night, as a result of which I had to book a hotel,” he informed.
The 576-metre-long pass hasn’t only made life easier for the local inhabitants but has also boomed tourism in the nearby areas. According to Niles Rajbhandari, Chairperson of the Hotel Association, hoteliers are ecstatic over the sudden influx of guests. “The pass has really put Baglung and Parbat on the map. People are coming to stay overnight, which has boosted hospitality business here,” exclaimed Rajbhandari.
The bridge perched between two hills is set approximately 165 meters above the Kaligandaki River. Constructed as a single-span bridge, the builder company hasn’t handed over the responsibility of the bridge to Baglung as of yet. However, as per Janakraj Poudel, Mayor of Baglung Municipality, Baglung has already filed for a process to claim ownership of the bridge.
Due to the pandemic scare, the bridge hasn’t been formally inaugurated yet, but according to the Mayor, the ceremony will be observed somewhere during the Nepali month of Magh.