The only road connecting the Himalayan district of Manang, the Besisahar-Chame Road, is set to be upgraded with blacktopping within the current fiscal year. This road, which is annually threatened by landslides, will undergo significant improvements to enhance safety and accessibility.
Residents and tourists have long faced hardships due to the road’s perilous condition. The process for the road’s upgrade has already begun, according to Tek Bahadur Gurung, the elected representative of Manang in the House of Representatives. He stated that the upgrade, which includes blacktopping, is being coordinated and partnered with the government and other relevant agencies. “The blacktopping will make it easier for the residents of Manang and the tourists,” said Gurung.
The Dumre-Besisahar-Chame Road Project will collaborate with the hydropower project currently under construction in Manang for the blacktopping. The Manang-Marsyangdi Hydropower Project in Danakyu has agreed to assist in the road’s expansion and upgrade, as road improvements are crucial for the hydropower project’s construction, according to the project’s Deputy General Manager, Pratikman Singh Pradhan.
Pradhan added that the project will involve widening the road, cutting sections where necessary, and performing concrete works in risky areas. The road will be blacktopped in other sections to ensure smooth travel for both small and large vehicles throughout the year, as stated by Kiran Pokhrel, the acting head of the Besisahar-Chame Road Project.
The road upgrade may impact some settlements, particularly in Lamjung’s Syange, Shrichaur, Jagat, and Chamche, as well as Dharapani village in Manang. For years, residents of Manang have suffered due to road blockages caused by snow in winter and floods in monsoon.
Two years ago, about eight kilometers of the road from Besisahar to Khudi were blacktopped. However, most of this road segment remains risky and requires further expansion.
The comprehensive road upgrade aims to alleviate these issues and significantly improve the accessibility and safety of travel to and from Manang, benefiting both the local population and the growing number of tourists.
