The Beni-Jomsom-Korala road project, a critical infrastructure development under the Kaligandaki corridor, has achieved 80 percent physical progress over the past eight years. This road, connecting Triveni on the Nepal-India border to China’s Korala border point, is considered the “fate line” of Gandaki Province, playing a vital role in infrastructure, economic, trade, hydropower, tourism, and religious development.

Initiated in 2073 BS, the project aims to upgrade the 202-kilometer stretch from Maldhunga (Parbat) to the Korala border point (Mustang) via Myagdi and includes the construction of bridges over various rivulets along the route. Project Chief Dhruba Kumar Jha reported that as of mid-June, the project has reached 80 percent completion.

Initially estimated to cost Rs 10 billion, the project was scheduled for completion in the fiscal year 2079/80 BS. However, the deadline has been extended to 2082/83 BS due to delays. According to Jha, Rs 6 billion has already been spent out of the Rs 7 billion contracted for the road and bridge construction.

Of the planned 105 kilometers of blacktopping, 48 kilometers have been completed. Additionally, 5 kilometers have been cemented, and 85 kilometers have been graveled. Out of the 24 motorable bridges planned along the road, contracts have been awarded for 19 bridges. To date, 10 bridges have been completed, five are under construction, four contracts have been terminated, and contracts for the remaining five bridges are yet to be awarded.