Road in district headquarters remains dilapidated for a decade

PARBAT: A major road in Kushma Bazaar, the district headquarters of Parbat, has remained in a dilapidated condition for over a decade, with no authority taking initiative for its repair.

The road in Badgaun, Kushma Municipality-5, has become increasingly dangerous, forcing vehicles to operate under risky conditions.

Local resident Tham Narayan Poudel said the 500-meter stretch from the Provincial Hospital Gate to Armed Police Force No. 25 Battalion Chandika has not been reconstructed for years, creating difficulties for both pedestrians and vehicles.

“Even the road leading to the hospital is in a terrible state, and no one seems concerned,” he added.

Shankar Giri, the outgoing chairperson of the Hospital Management Committee, said that more than 300 patients visit the hospital daily, yet the road surrounding the facility is completely neglected.

The road also provides access to key government offices including the Infrastructure Development Office, Armed Police Force, Skill Development and Research Office, District Court, Post Office, Agriculture Knowledge Center, Drinking Water Office, Education Office, Survey and Land Revenue Office, Water Resources and Irrigation Division, Government Attorney’s Office, Animal Services Center, District Health Office, and the Federation of Nepali Journalists, among others.

Giri recalled that a delegation of local citizens had submitted a signed petition to the Baglung office of the Intensive Urban and Building Construction Project a year ago, urging for road repairs, but their request was ignored.

Local resident Ramesh Shrestha said dust and potholes have contributed to frequent road accidents, and nearby shops have been damaged by flying stones from passing vehicles.

Ramhari Sharma, Ward Chair of Kushma Municipality-5, said the ward’s limited budget cannot cover the road’s reconstruction. “Despite multiple verbal and written requests to the Infrastructure Development Office, no action has been taken,” he said.

Santosh Aryal, Chief of the Infrastructure Development Office in Parbat, said it is not possible to begin construction this year due to budget constraints.

However, he confirmed that a proposal for the road’s reconstruction has been included in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget plan.