Myagdi, Dec 21: The road section from Tatopani in Myagdi to Ghansa in Mustang has been upgraded under the Beni–Jomsom–Korala Road Project. The Beni–Jomsom–Korala road, constructed along the Kaligandaki river corridor, is a national pride project and serves as a strategic link connecting India and China.
The project to widen the road from Nagdhunga of Bhurung-Tatopani in Annapurna Rural Municipality–2, Myagdi, to the Kaikhukhola section of Thasang Rural Municipality–4, Mustang, to 11 metres and upgrade it into a two-lane paved road was initiated in the fiscal year 2073/74.
Sharma–Gajurmukhi JV has completed paving and concreting works on the 16.5-kilometre Tatopani–Ghansa section. The upgrading works were contracted at Rs 630 million, including a variation order, excluding a 3.3-kilometre stretch damaged by landslides.
According to Project Manager Narendra Neupane, 2.5 kilometres of the road have been concreted, while 10.7 kilometres have been blacktopped using Double Bituminous Surface Dressing (DBSD) technology. The project was completed five years later than the original deadline.
Neupane said the delay was caused by difficult terrain, the COVID-19 pandemic, floods and landslides, as well as shortages of construction materials. He added that the upgraded road is in the process of being formally handed over to the Road Project Office.
Meanwhile, works have commenced under a new contract in landslide-affected areas including Guinthe, Khambhitta, Duwarikhola, Latokhola, Rupse, Ghoptebhir and Thadokhola. In challenging sections such as Kabhrebhir cliff, Badarjung and Ghoptebhir cliff, road widening was carried out using rock anchoring techniques due to steep rock faces and narrow carriageways.
The road has been asphalted in areas including Nagdhunga, Jalthale, Guinthe, Sukebagar, Dana, Titar, Kabhre and Ghansa. Following the upgrade, travel time on the section has been reduced from two hours to around 30 minutes, according to Ramesh Purja, Ward Chair of Annapurna Rural Municipality–3.
With the completion of this upgraded section, travel has become significantly easier for tourists, pilgrims and local residents heading to Mustang, as well as for cargo vehicles engaged in import and export through the Korala checkpoint. #nepal #road
