MYAGDI: Construction of the strategically important Darbang–Muna–Dhorpatan road project in Myagdi has slowed significantly, raising concerns among local residents.
The project, jointly funded by the Gandaki Provincial Government and the federal government, aims to upgrade the road connecting Darbang, the center of Malika Rural Municipality, to Muna in Dhaulagiri with blacktopping and concrete works. However, progress has stalled in recent weeks.
Local leader Buddhi Man Sherpunja of Dhaulagiri–3, Muna, said construction has slowed over the past month, with contractors reducing the number of workers and equipment on site.
“This year, the project has a budget of Rs 230 million, but the contractor has completed work worth only around Rs 50–60 million so far,” he said. “The project, which is supposed to be completed within two years, now faces the risk of being left incomplete.”
The project is one of the largest infrastructure investments in Myagdi under the Gandaki Province. It includes blacktopping and upgrading of the Darbang–Dharapani (7 km) and Machhim–Muna (4 km) sections using asphalt technology.
With an estimated cost of Rs 670 million (excluding administrative expenses), the contract agreement was signed for Rs 528.05 million on Asar 11, 2082 BS. The construction company began work in Kartik 2082 but has achieved only around 10 percent physical progress so far, according to the Infrastructure Development Office.
Senior Divisional Engineer Dr. Mahendra Baniya said the contractor has slowed work citing rising fuel and construction material costs.
“The slow progress means allocated budget may remain unspent, and contractors involved in other multi-year projects may face delays in receiving payments,” he said.
The project is based on a 50-50 cost-sharing model between the federal and provincial governments, with a total contract period of 27 months.
For the current fiscal year 2082/83, Rs 232.2 million has been allocated. However, if the project is not completed within the stipulated timeline, there is a risk that the federal government may halt further funding, increasing the financial burden on the provincial government.
Although a road track reached Muna as early as 2014, it has remained in a gravel condition until now.
The road is considered a key alternative route to the Baglung–Kankri section of the Mid-Hill Highway, connecting Myagdi to Dhorpatan and eastern Rukum.
Once completed, it is expected to shorten travel distance to Pokhara and Kathmandu by about 50 kilometers for residents of Mangala, Malika, and Dhaulagiri rural municipalities, as well as parts of Baglung and eastern Rukum.
Provincial Assembly member Resham Bahadur Jugjali has expressed concern over the delays and urged the provincial government to take necessary steps to expedite construction.
Meanwhile, under the same corridor, a separate contract worth Rs 146.16 million was awarded in fiscal year 2080/81 for blacktopping the Dharapani–Takam–Jhindanda (6 km) section. Contractor Bhim Sapkota said efforts are ongoing to complete the work despite rising costs.
So far, 18 kilometers of road from Beni to Talawang has already been blacktopped.
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