Pokhara, 21 July: The Karnali Provincial Government has collected data on traditional cable crossings, known as ‘tuins,’ as part of its policy to replace them with suspension bridges. According to Ramesh Subedi, Senior Divisional Engineer at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development, data from seven out of ten districts in the province reveals the presence of 50 tuins. This data forms the basis for the government’s ambitious campaign to make Karnali Province entirely free of these dangerous crossings.
The collected information indicates that Humla district has the highest number of tuins, with 15 reported, including six over the Karnali River alone. Kalikot and Jajarkot each have 12 tuins, while Dailekh and Mugu have two each. Dolpa has three, and Surkhet has eight. Details on tuins from Jumla and Rukum West districts are yet to be received.
The provincial government has adopted an ambitious policy to eliminate tuins in Karnali during the current fiscal year 2082-083. This plan has been incorporated into the province’s policies and programs, with a dedicated budget allocated for it. Ministry spokesperson Subedi stated that NPR 15 million has been allocated for the current fiscal year to construct suspension bridges, thereby replacing the existing tuins. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the safety and ease of travel for residents in remote areas of the province.
