Tatopani-Ghasa Section of Kaligandaki Corridor Upgrade Cuts Travel Time by 75 Percent

The Tatopani–Ghasa section of the strategic Kaligandaki Corridor, which connects India and China, has been upgraded, slashing travel time from two hours to just 30 minutes. The road improvement is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade, and ease daily travel for local residents, marking a major milestone in the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road project.

The 16.5-kilometer stretch, running from Tatopani in Annapurna Rural Municipality-2, Myagdi, to Ghasa, Thasang Rural Municipality-4, Mustang, was widened to 11 meters and upgraded with two-lane asphalt and concrete work under the Beni–Jomsom–Korala Road Project. The project began in Fiscal Year 2016/17. Sharma–Gajurmukhi joint venture (JV) was awarded the contract for Rs 630 million and has completed paving and concrete work except for 3.3 kilometers affected by landslides.

Project Manager Narendra Neupane said 2.5 kilometers of concrete work and 10.7 kilometers of asphalt using the DBSD technique have been completed. “Delays in construction were caused by difficult terrain, the COVID-19 pandemic, floods and landslides, and shortages of river-based construction materials,” Neupane said. He added that the upgraded road is now in the formal process of being handed over to the Road Project Office.

The project was completed five years behind schedule. After Gajurmukhi Construction Service faced internal issues, Sharma JV completed the remaining work. The project has now restarted work on landslide-affected sections, including Guinthe, Khambhitta, Duwarikhola, Latokhola, Rupse, Ghoptebhir, and Thadokhola, under new contracts.

In sections with steep cliffs and narrow roads, including Kavrebhir, Badarjung, and Ghoptebhir, the road was widened using rock anchoring techniques. Asphalt paving has been completed in Nagdhunga, Jalthale, Guinthe, Sukebagar, Dana, Titar, Kavre, and Ghasa areas.

Ramesh Purja, Ward Chair of Annapurna Rural Municipality-3, said travel time has been reduced from two hours to 30 minutes. Most of this stretch falls within Annapurna Rural Municipality-3. The upgrade has eased travel for tourists, pilgrims, local residents, and cargo vehicles transporting goods through the Korala border. Purja also noted that both domestic and international tourist arrivals have increased following the road improvement.

The 435-kilometer Kaligandaki Corridor, connecting India and China, is considered the lifeline of Gandaki Province. The 202-kilometer Beni–Jomsom–Korala road project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1.057 billion, includes 94 kilometers of gravel road, 88 kilometers of asphalt, and 14 road bridges. Project Chief Tejaswi Sharma said 82 percent of the total budget, or Rs 820 million, has already been spent. -- RSS