The upgrade of the 13-kilometer Behulibans–Purnagaon–Paiyukot–Lunkhu road in the southern region of the district has officially commenced. This project, aimed at connecting Mahashila and Paiyu Rural Municipalities to the national road network, will include both road enhancement and asphalt paving.
On Tuesday, Mithralal Basyal, the Minister for Industry and Tourism of Gandaki Province performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the road upgrade. The project involves an investment of NPR 50 crores. For this multi-year initiative, NPR 12 million has been allocated for the current fiscal year through the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development of Gandaki Province and the Federal Ministry of Physical Infrastructure.
The allocated budget will be used for constructing drains, culverts, paving, and grading across various sections of the road, as reported by Paiyu Rural Municipality. The municipality has assured that the work funded by this budget will be completed within the current fiscal year.
During the inauguration, Minister Mithralal Basyal emphasized that the provincial government has prioritized areas lacking proper road access, with budget allocation focused on these regions. He noted that inadequate road infrastructure has hindered farmers and entrepreneurs from accessing markets, and the new, high-quality road will help rural citizens become self-employed and improve their livelihoods.
In the event, Paiyu Rural Municipality Chairperson Toran Mall assured that all roads would be progressively upgraded. He highlighted that local budgets alone are insufficient for road improvements and emphasized the need to secure additional funds from provincial and federal governments to ensure the road upgrades are completed within a year.
This project is expected to significantly enhance transportation infrastructure and support local economic development by improving access to markets and services in the region.
