SIRAHA: A new inter-provincial road stretching approximately 22 kilometers from Golbazar in Siraha to Risku in Katari-6, Udayapur, is set to open, improving connectivity between the East-West Highway and the Madan Bhandari Highway via the Chure region.
The road is being developed under the Intensive Urban and Building Construction Project, Saptari, with an initial allocation of Rs 30 million for the current fiscal year 2085/26.
Project engineer Udaya Narayan Chaudhary stated that a five-member support committee has already been formed to carry out a detailed project report and a preliminary environmental assessment. “We plan to begin work soon and aim to blacktop about three kilometers of the road within this fiscal year,” he said.
The new route will start from Choharwa Bazaar in Golbazar, pass through Ghurmi Bazaar and Churephedi settlements, and end in Risku. Once completed, it will offer a more direct and convenient alternative for residents of Risku, who currently rely on longer and less efficient routes via Marchaiya (Siraha) or Kadamha Bazaar (Saptari).
Locals say the road will save time and reduce transportation costs, especially during festivals when market access is crucial.
Residents and stakeholders expect the road to be a catalyst for development. “Once it is blacktopped, transportation will become easier, businesses will grow, and urban development will gain momentum,” said Kshetra Kumar Ale, a resident of Golbazaar-10.
Sanjay Yadav, a local businessman, emphasized that the road will strengthen links between the hills and the Terai, particularly benefiting the agricultural sector by improving market access in both regions.
To ensure the project’s effective execution, a monitoring and coordination committee has been formed, including former Minister for Law and Justice and current MP Lilanath Shrestha, Madhes Provincial Assembly member Manoj Kumar Singh, Golbazaar Mayor Shyam Kumar Shrestha, local ward chairpersons, and project engineer Chaudhary.
Former Minister Shrestha urged swift progress, warning that delays could result in the budget being frozen. “Those who have taken responsibility must not remain passive. Timely work is essential,” he said, adding that coordination with representatives from Udayapur is ongoing.
The new road is expected to provide long-term benefits for transportation, trade, agriculture, tourism, and public services in the region.
Nagendra Kumar Mahato, Chairperson of the Choharwa Market Development Committee, said the infrastructure will help connect remote areas to urban hubs and improve overall livelihoods.
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