HUMLA: Travelling along the Humla-Surkhet road has become a gruelling experience for both passengers and drivers, with frequent landslides and the deteriorating condition of the Karnali Corridor making journeys difficult and dangerous.
Regardless of weather conditions, landslides occur at several points along the road, disrupting transportation and putting travellers at risk. The situation has once again raised questions about the government’s role in road construction, upgrading and maintenance.
Nawaraj Rawat of Jaira, Sarkegad Rural Municipality-1, expressed frustration over the road’s condition after completing a hazardous three-day journey from Humla to Surkhet.
He said the Karnali Corridor, a vital highway connecting Jamunaha in Nepalgunj to Hilsa near the Nepal-China border in Humla, had become so difficult to travel that using it felt like a punishment. Despite its importance, the road has remained in poor condition for years, with little improvement in its safety and accessibility, he complained.
According to Rawat, politicians and policymakers have repeatedly spoken about Karnali’s development and prosperity over the past decade, yet residents continue to struggle to access safe and reliable roads.
Although public funds have been allocated for road construction and upgrading over the years, people have yet to experience significant improvements in travel conditions, he said, urging the federal and Karnali provincial governments to take action.
Rawat also questioned the quality of road structures built in high-risk areas, calling for effective monitoring of construction work and greater scrutiny of how allocated budgets are spent. He said the hardships faced by residents and travellers could be fully understood only by experiencing the journey firsthand.
Dil Bahadur Karki, who runs a hotel in Khachcha, Ward 1 of Sarkegad Rural Municipality, said the lack of road upgrades had affected his business and daily life. Similarly, local resident Nawaraj Mahatara identified the hazardous condition of the Kabadi-Salisalla section as a major concern.
Residents said the road’s poor condition not only hampers the transportation of passengers and goods but also creates serious difficulties during medical emergencies and other urgent situations.
The Karnali Corridor serves as a crucial link between Humla and the national road network. It is essential for local mobility, the transportation of food and daily necessities, access to healthcare services and tourism development. However, the hazardous road conditions continue to prevent residents from travelling safely and conveniently.
While landslides and road blockages are partly caused by natural disasters, residents say the authorities must take responsibility for reducing risks, carrying out regular maintenance and ensuring the quality and durability of road infrastructure.
People in Karnali say they need more than development promises and political speeches. They want safe roads and dependable transportation services.
The arduous three-day journey from Sarkegad to Surkhet has once again highlighted the challenges facing residents of Humla and the wider Karnali region.
When will the government take concrete measures to improve the Karnali Corridor and reduce travel risks? For residents of Humla, that question remains unanswered.
Comment