Despite 16 years since construction began, only 30% of progress has been made on the Baglung section of the Saljhandi-Dhorpatan Road Project, a national pride project in Nepal. The project, which aimed to improve accessibility to Dhorpatan, has faced significant delays attributed to the slow work pace of the contracted construction companies. Furthermore, only a few sections have been awarded contracts, leaving the rest neglected, causing hardship for tourists heading to Dhorpatan, especially during the rainy season.
In Baglung District, out of the 61 km allocated for the road, the majority has only reached the track-opening stage, with little to no improvement from its initial state as a rural road. Specifically, a 22 km section between Burtibang and Dhorpatan remains incomplete. Swachhand and Om Buddha Joint Construction Company, the contractors responsible for the Burtibang-Falleghar gravel road, have completed only 30% of the work within the designated period. According to Project Chief Gagla Bahadur Bhandari, even with extended deadlines, there has been minimal progress.
Progress has been stagnant in other sections as well, with no work done in some areas. Landslides along the unmaintained track have become common during the rainy season, further hampering travel. Representatives from Nisikhola Rural Municipality expressed frustration, noting that locals are growing increasingly impatient with the lack of progress. Deputy Chairperson Prem Bahadur Gharti voiced the concerns of residents, who feel neglected by the project and are growing skeptical of any progress after 16 years of delays.
Although the track opening began in 2008, most sections remain unfinished. While the contract for the Falleghar section was awarded in November 2021 with a target completion date of April 2024, only 30% of the work has been completed, and much of the progress has deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance. Travelers face difficult and hazardous journeys due to muddy, pothole-ridden roads.
Despite a contract amounting to NPR 256.1 million, financial progress has also stalled at 30%. With no substantial improvement expected by the end of the extended deadline in mid-July, the project team may have to terminate the contract and initiate a new tender process, according to Project Chief Bhandari. Chief of the District Coordination Committee, Amar Bahadur Thapa, mentioned that the lack of progress has affected tourism, with many visitors turning away, impacting the district’s revenue collection.
The incomplete road has also affected essential services. Pregnant women in Dhorpatan face difficulties in reaching healthcare facilities on time, and transportation of supplies to the Nepal Army and reserve offices has been disrupted. Farmers in Dhorpatan are struggling to transport their produce, such as potatoes, to markets.
The project office has sent 10 official notices and held two meetings with the contractor company to expedite the work. Due to their disregard for the communications, NPR 35.6 million of the contractor’s bank guarantee has been frozen. Originally intended to facilitate easier access for tourists traveling from Lumbini to Dhorpatan, the 197 km road project has only seen 18 km blacktopped in Arghakhanchi so far. The neglected condition of the road has led to transportation challenges, hindering tourism and local businesses.
Source: RSS