June 10: The Beni-Jomsom-Korala road project, part of the Kaligandaki corridor, has achieved 80% physical progress in eight years.

This road infrastructure, connecting Triveni at the Nepal-India border to China's Korala border point, is considered the "fate line" of Gandaki province due to its significance for infrastructure, economic growth, trade, hydropower, tourism, and religious development.

The project began in 2073 BS (2016 AD) with the goal of upgrading the 202-kilometer road from Maldhunga (Parbat) to the Korala border point (Mustang) via Myagdi and constructing bridges over the rivulets along the route.

Project Chief Dhruba Kumar Jha reported that as of mid-June, the project had reached 80% completion. Originally estimated to cost Rs 10 billion, the project aimed for completion by the fiscal year 2079/80 BS (2022/23 AD). However, the project period has been extended to the fiscal year 2082/83 BS (2025/26 AD) due to delays.

So far, Rs 6 billion has been spent against the contracted Rs 7 billion for the construction of roads and bridges. Out of the 105 kilometers targeted for blacktopping, 48 kilometers have been blacktopped, 5 kilometers have been cemented, and 85 kilometers have been graveled.

Regarding the 24 motorable bridges planned along the road, contracts have been awarded for 19. Of these, 10 bridges have been completed, and construction is in progress for five more.

Contracts for four bridges have been terminated, and contracts are yet to be made for the remaining five bridges. (RSS)