Beni-Jomsom-Korala road: 80 percent physical progress in 8 years

MYAGDI, JUNE 10: The Beni-Jomsom-Korala road project, part of the Kaligandaki corridor, has achieved 80 percent physical progress over the course of eight years. This road infrastructure links Triveni along the Nepal-India border with China’s Korala border point, serving as the lifeline of Gandaki province. It holds paramount importance for infrastructure, economic development, trade, hydropower, tourism, and religious activities.

The project, initiated in 2073 BS, aimed to upgrade the 202-kilometer road from Maldhunga (Parbat) to the Korala border point (Mustang) via Myagdi, along with constructing bridges over the rivulets along the route. Project Chief Dhruba Kumar Jha reported that as of the mid-second week of June, the physical progress had reached 80 percent.

Originally estimated to cost Rs 10 billion, the road was scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2079/80 BS. However, due to delays, the project’s timeline has been extended until fiscal year 2082/83 BS. Currently, Rs 6 billion has been expended out of the Rs 7 billion contract for road and bridge construction.

According to Chief Jha, 48 kilometers of the targeted 105 kilometers have been blacktopped, while 5 kilometers have been cemented, and 85 kilometers have been graveled. Among the 24 motorable bridges planned for construction, contracts have been awarded for 19 bridges, with 10 already completed and 5 in progress. Contracts for four bridges have been terminated, and plans for the remaining five bridges are yet to be finalized.

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