Charikot, Dolakha - The Bagmati Province Government has announced significant progress in infrastructure development in Dolakha, focusing on improving rural connectivity and boosting local economies. Two major roads are set to be blacktopped, enhancing accessibility and facilitating the transport of agricultural products and tourism activities in the district.
The Mudhe-Melung-Shitali road (Bhaise-Budachok section), connecting Sailung and Melung Rural Municipalities, and the Bhirkot-Jhule-Chaude road, linking Tamakoshi, Baiteshwar, and Jiri municipalities, will undergo blacktopping under the initiative of the Provincial Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development. The Infrastructure Development Office in Dolakha has allocated NPR 160 million for these projects, which will utilize advanced technologies to ensure high-quality construction.
Three-Decade-Old Challenges Addressed
The Bhirkot-Jhule-Chaude road, which has remained unpaved for nearly 30 years, has been a major obstacle for residents and local businesses. Santosh Karki, a teacher at Narayani Secondary School in Bhirkot, expressed optimism, stating, “The current condition of the road has forced public transportation to use alternative routes, causing significant inconvenience to locals. Once blacktopped, it will ease travel and enable farmers to transport their produce to markets efficiently.”
Similarly, the Mudhe-Melung road’s improvement is expected to facilitate access to Sailung, a key tourist destination. Farmers in the region are hopeful that better connectivity will enable them to reach broader markets, boosting their income and livelihoods.
Ongoing and Completed Projects
The province has already completed blacktopping of the Sunakhani-Sangba road, spanning 15 kilometers, and the Charikot-Deurali road, covering five kilometers. These projects have significantly improved access to Kalinchok Bhagwati Temple, a renowned religious and tourist site. The remaining section from Deurali to Kalinchok is under active construction.
Additional initiatives include:
Jiri-Cherdung Road Upgrades: NPR 50 million allocated for improvements.
Lamosanghu-Jiri Road Extension: Blacktopping of the Makibari-Deurali section and expansion to Pani Ghat completed.
Singati-Laduk-Bulung Road: Construction ongoing with strict monitoring of contractors to avoid delays.
Bridge Construction and Community Impact
Two critical bridges, each 25 meters long, have been completed in Gaurishankar and Jiri municipalities, with three more under construction. These bridges are expected to significantly enhance connectivity and safety in the region.
Increased Accountability and Focus
The establishment of the Infrastructure Development Office in Dolakha has proven instrumental in expediting abandoned road projects. Chief Hari Prasad Ojha emphasized the office’s proactive role in holding contractors accountable, ensuring that road construction and development projects proceed efficiently.
Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, Kundan Raj Kafle, highlighted that the district has seen remarkable development progress under provincial governance. He remarked, “The establishment of local offices under federalism has significantly accelerated development efforts, particularly in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure.”
Local resident Roshan Kumar KC praised the progress, attributing the surge in development projects to having a Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning from Dolakha, saying it has brought much-needed attention and resources to the district.
This renewed focus on infrastructure is not only improving the daily lives of residents but also laying a strong foundation for economic growth in Dolakha. As these projects move toward completion, they are set to bring transformative changes to the region, bridging gaps between rural areas and mainstream economic opportunities.
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