Kathmandu— Over Rs 8.96 billion (approximately $70 million USD) has been spent to date on the Beni–Jomsom–Korala highway project, a key infrastructure initiative connecting Nepal with both China and India. The Kaligandaki Corridor road project began in fiscal year 2073/074 and is now projected for completion in 2088/089, facing revisions to its initial cost estimate and ongoing challenges including landslides and the need for additional bridge construction.

Project Costs and Progress

The Korala road project initially estimated a cost of Rs 10.56 billion but has already incurred expenses of Rs 8.96 billion as of last year. The latest revised estimate now stands at Rs 15 billion. As of the most recent reports, physical progress on the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road is approximately 65 percent complete, with financial progress reaching 60 percent.

Road Specifications and Expansion

The project originally involved constructing a 74-kilometer four-lane asphalted road from Beni to Jomsom and a 119-kilometer seven-segment gravel road from Jomsom to Korala. Since its inception, the scope of work has expanded to include numerous additional plans for roads and bridges. Current efforts focus on blacktopping and upgrading a total of 202 kilometers of roadway stretching from Maldhunga in Parbat to the Nepal-China border crossing at Northern Korala.

Ongoing Construction and Challenges

By mid-July, approximately 90 kilometers of the targeted 202 km stretch between Maldhunga and Korala had been blacktopped. An additional contract worth Rs 2 billion has been solicited to upgrade a 50-kilometer section of road from Chhusang to Ghami in Mustang. Work is also planned for a landslide-prone segment of the Beni–Jomsom road near Sirobari, Myagdi, with contracts being opened for blacktopping a 500-meter stretch.

Bridge Construction and Landslide Mitigation

The Korala Road Project aims to construct a total of 26 motorable bridges along the route from Maladhunga to the Korala checkpoint. As of fiscal year 2082/083, 18 bridges have been completed, with four currently under construction. Funding for the remaining four required bridges is still pending. Landslide prevention work is also underway at three locations – Guithbheer, Khambhitta, and Baisari – in the Myagdi section of the Beni–Jomsom road.

Project officials anticipate continued progress on the Korala Road over the coming years, with a revised completion date set for 2088/089. Further contracts are expected to be awarded for remaining bridge construction and ongoing landslide mitigation efforts.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.