Access to Halesi, one of Nepal’s most important religious tourism destinations, is set to improve as the Jayaramghat–Halesi section of the Mid-Hill Highway in Khotang district is scheduled for maintenance after 16 years of deterioration. A maintenance contract worth NPR 7.21 crore has been awarded to repair damaged sections of the road, addressing long-standing difficulties faced by local residents, pilgrims and other travellers.
The 35-kilometre road connecting Jayaramghat along the Dudh Koshi River with the Halesi religious site was initially blacktopped using the Otta Seal technology in 2067 B.S. However, the pavement began deteriorating within a few years, leaving potholes and damaged surfaces along several sections. The poor road condition has made travel increasingly difficult, particularly for visitors heading to Halesi to explore its religious and cultural significance.
NPR 7.21 Crore Contract Signed for Road Maintenance
According to Bharat Shrestha, information officer and engineer at the Pushpalal (Mid-Hill) Highway Project Office in Ramechhap, a maintenance agreement was signed with SRB Builders of Sindhupalchok on Kartik 16 for NPR 7.21 crore. The project aims to repair potholes, restore damaged blacktop sections and reconstruct portions of the road that have become severely deteriorated. Shrestha said the construction company is preparing to begin work after the Tihar festival.
The maintenance programme will focus on addressing the most problematic sections of the route, with the objective of improving road conditions and making travel more convenient for vehicles using the corridor. According to the project office, the maintenance work is targeted for completion by the end of Jestha. The agreement is expected to provide relief to travellers who have faced difficult road conditions for years. Local residents have also welcomed the decision, expressing optimism that the long-awaited repairs will improve transportation along this important route.
Improved Road Access to Strengthen Halesi Religious Tourism
The Jayaramghat–Halesi road is an important access route to Halesi, a globally recognised religious destination and a centre of faith for Hindu, Buddhist and Kirat communities. The sacred Halesi Mahadev area attracts pilgrims and visitors throughout the year, making reliable road connectivity essential for religious tourism and regional travel. Visitors travelling to Halesi from Kathmandu and other cities frequently use this road, which also serves as a major transportation link for all 10 local levels of Khotang district and neighbouring Bhojpur. Hundreds of vehicles travel along the route daily, carrying passengers, local residents and pilgrims.
However, the narrow road and deteriorated surface have created difficulties for travellers. According to local resident Sarbadhan Basnet, potholes formed after the blacktop deteriorated often collect water during the rainy season, while dust becomes a major problem during the dry months. These conditions have affected the comfort and convenience of people travelling to the religious site. Maintenance of the road is therefore expected to improve access to Halesi and provide a more convenient journey for pilgrims and other visitors. Better road conditions can also support local businesses and transportation services that depend on the movement of people between Halesi, Diktel and other parts of the district.
Road Widening Remains a Major Concern
Although the maintenance agreement is expected to address immediate road problems, the long-term issue of widening and upgrading the Jayaramghat–Halesi section remains unresolved. Halesi Tuwachung Municipality Mayor Bimala Rai said the municipality has repeatedly requested that the road be upgraded according to the standards of the Mid-Hill Highway, alongside urgent repairs to its damaged sections. Rai pointed out that other sections of the Mid-Hill Highway generally have a minimum width of nine metres, whereas the 35-kilometre Jayaramghat–Halesi section is only around five metres wide. She said the municipality has repeatedly raised the issue with the federal government, seeking the necessary improvements to bring the road in line with the highway’s standards.
The municipality has also requested that responsibility for overseeing the road be transferred from the Mid-Hill Highway Project Office in Ramechhap to the Department of Roads. According to Rai, immediate repairs will provide some relief, but a comprehensive upgrade is necessary to address the long-standing transportation challenges. The current maintenance contract does not include a confirmed road-widening programme. Consequently, although the repair work is expected to improve immediate travel conditions, the future expansion of the road remains uncertain.
Diktel–Halesi Section Already Blacktopped with ADB Support
In contrast to the deteriorated Jayaramghat–Halesi section, the 42-kilometre road connecting Halesi with Diktel Bazaar has already been blacktopped with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The improvement has made travel along the Diktel–Halesi section more convenient for local residents and visitors. The difference in road conditions between the two sections highlights the need for further investment in transportation infrastructure connecting Halesi with other parts of the district.
Completing the maintenance work on the Jayaramghat–Halesi route would improve access from the Dudh Koshi side, while future widening and upgrading could further strengthen regional connectivity. With the NPR 7.21 crore maintenance project scheduled to begin after Tihar, Halesi is expected to receive improved road access in the coming months. The timely completion of the work will be important not only for local transportation but also for supporting religious tourism, improving pilgrims’ travel experiences and strengthening the wider tourism economy of Khotang district.
Source-RSS
