Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC) is in the final stages of constructing Nepal’s first disability-friendly overhead bridge, featuring elevators on both sides, at Kusunti in Ward No. 13 along the busy Ring Road. The project is designed to improve safety and accessibility for people with disabilities, wheelchair users, senior citizens, children, and others with mobility challenges.

The foundation stone for the bridge was laid by LMC Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan on March 12, 2024. The initiative followed a prolonged approval process, taking more than four years to secure permission from the Department of Roads. Though local governments typically lack jurisdiction over roads wider than eight meters, LMC pursued the project in response to concerns about the difficulties faced by vulnerable pedestrians crossing the heavily trafficked Ring Road.

The bridge incorporates elevators alongside conventional staircases to facilitate easier crossing for those unable to climb stairs. This inclusive design marks a significant step toward making public infrastructure in Nepal more accessible. The project is estimated to cost approximately Rs. 46.89 million and is being constructed by Lama Pragati-Mani Buddha JV, a Kavrepalanchowk-based contractor.

As of the latest update, about 85 percent of construction has been completed, with an anticipated operational date within the next six weeks; however, final confirmation from authorities is pending. Officials expect that the bridge will significantly reduce pedestrian road accidents in the area by providing a safer crossing option over the high-traffic thoroughfare.

Mayor Maharjan expressed optimism about the bridge’s impact, emphasizing its potential to lower accident rates and serve as a model for inclusive urban infrastructure. He highlighted that conventional footbridges with only stair access often exclude individuals with limited mobility, underscoring the importance of incorporating features like elevators.

While the completion of the bridge marks a milestone for Nepal’s infrastructure development, experts caution that ongoing elevator maintenance, repairs, and safety measures will be critical to ensuring the facility remains accessible and functional long term. The usability of this structure will depend not only on its design but also on effective management to prevent service interruptions.

If successfully maintained, the Kusunti overhead bridge could set a precedent for other municipalities in Nepal to develop inclusive public amenities, promoting equal access and safety for all residents regardless of physical ability.