Swinging on ropes, risking lives daily. In Karnali Province, over 50 tuins—dangerous rope crossings—still serve as the only way for many to cross rivers, according to recent government data. These shaky cables, often decades old, are a lifeline for remote villagers but come with deadly risks. People fall, ropes snap, and lives are lost, yet these unsafe crossings persist.
Ten years ago, in 2015, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli promised to replace all tuins with safe bridges within two years. Now, in 2025, with Oli back in office, the promise remains unfulfilled. Karnali Province alone reports 50 tuins, with Humla district having the most at 15. The government has built some suspension bridges, but progress is slow, leaving rural communities stranded.
The situation in Sudurpashchim Province is less clear, as government data doesn’t fully cover tuins there. Residents in districts like Darchula and Bajura still rely on these risky crossings, with no clear timeline for change. The Karnali government has allocated Rs. 205 million for bridge construction this year, aiming to build 90 new bridges, but delays and tough terrain keep progress sluggish.
For villagers, every trip across a tuin is a gamble with life. The provincial government says it’s working with federal and local partners to make areas accessible within a 30-minute walk. Yet, with budget constraints and slow infrastructure development, thousands still face danger daily. When will the people of Karnali and Sudurpashchim get the safe bridges they were promised?
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