BAGLUNG: The Bihu-Ghodabadhe section of the Mid-Hill Highway in Baglung has remained in a dilapidated state for nine years due to the lack of blacktopping, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and transport operators.
Out of the 13-kilometer stretch between Bihu and Ghodabadhe, around 6 kilometers remain unpaved, making travel especially difficult during the monsoon and winter seasons. Vehicles frequently get stuck in the muddy and potholed road, turning even short journeys into ordeals.
The 25-kilometer road from Baglung Bazaar to Ghodabadhe was divided into two sections for blacktopping nine years ago, and a contract was awarded.
However, little progress has been made. Despite other sections of the 140-kilometer Mid-Hill Highway being blacktopped, this portion has seen repeated delays and mismanagement.
The original contract was terminated after eight years of inaction. Although a new contract was signed a year ago, only 10 percent of the work has been completed so far.
Driver Raman Sharma shared his frustration, recounting how a mini truck transporting goods from Chitwan to Galkot got stuck in the Bihu section. “It’s not just trucks—dozens of cars and jeeps get stranded every week,” he said.
Locals also expressed anger over the prolonged delays, accusing the concerned authorities of indifference to their plight.
Engineer Kalpana Mishra from the Mid-Hill Pushpalal Highway Project Office in Parbat explained that the road has become muddier this year due to ongoing widening works.
“Since the awarding of the new contract, only 10 percent of the work has been completed under the Rs. 210 million agreement. The rains have worsened the situation as we’re still in the infrastructure phase,” she said. “Dozers have been kept on standby to clear landslides and help stuck vehicles.”
The new contract, worth Rs. 214.9 million, was signed with Tamang/Rijal Bhagwati JV, with a two-year deadline to complete the remaining works, including full blacktopping of the Bihun-Ghodabadhe stretch.
Until then, locals and commuters continue to face the brunt of years of government inaction and slow project implementation.
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