MYAGDI: After a staggering delay of fifteen years, the road in Beni Municipality-6, Bansbot of Myagdi district has finally been blacktopped using reinforced cement concrete.

The road, which was inaugurated as part of the Arthunge-Pulachaur-Bhutpani road project, saw its completion 17 years after its initial opening.

According to Dipesh KC, an engineer at the municipality, the construction contract worth Rs 5.65 million was awarded to Shramjibi Nirman Sewa for this long-awaited project.

Funding for the road came from a Rs 5 million conditional grant from the Gandaki province government, supplemented by Rs 3 million from Beni municipality.

Before the blacktopping commenced, significant preparatory work was undertaken, including road widening, drainage construction, and the erection of retaining walls, as explained by Prakash Baniya, the director of the construction company involved.

Local resident Durga Dutta Poudel, a farmer from Bansbot, expressed relief at the road’s upgrade, noting that travel time to Beni has been slashed from 30 minutes to just 10 minutes.

Residents of upper Beni community, Kurilakharka, and Arthunge ode have long advocated for similar road improvements.

The road plays a crucial role in connecting Ward No. 6 and 5 of Beni municipality with Ward No. 1 of Mangala rural municipality, facilitating easier access to the district headquarters at Beni.

Additionally, ongoing efforts are underway to upgrade other sections of the Beni-Pulachaur road, including Ekpate, Abaichaur, and Purundi, with the Sangamchowk to Hulakchowk section also nearing completion.