Upgrade of Arniko Highway Section Linking China Trade Route Gains Momentum

Dolakha. The upgrade work on the Bhimire-Kodari section of the Arniko Highway, which connects the trade route with China, has gained pace. The Department of Roads has moved forward with the work after securing a source agreement of NPR 2.37 billion from the Ministry of Finance to restore this highway, which was severely damaged by the monsoon rains.

The construction process has been expedited to modernize and secure this strategically important road. The Road Division Office, Charikot, completed the tender process and signed an agreement with the construction company 'MS NS Galwa JV' in Mangsir last year.

The work on this project, contracted at a total cost of NPR 1.34 billion, commenced on site from Mangsir 20. According to Narayan Dutt Bhandari, Chief (CDE) of the Road Division Charikot, the 26-kilometer stretch from Bhimire to Kodari will be fully expanded to double lanes.

Currently, the physical progress of the road stands at 7 percent. The main focus now is on constructing the necessary structures to convert the road into a double lane. Priority is being given to constructing gabion walls and creating points in areas with high landslide risks. Bhandari informed that the technical team is paying special attention to strengthening the road's foundation due to the geographically complex nature of the Bhimire-Kodari section.

Gauri Upreti, operator of MS NS Galwa JV, which is responsible for the construction, has committed to completing the work within the stipulated time if there are no disruptions in the supply of construction materials or at the local level. Upreti stated that work began immediately after the contract agreement on 2082 Mangsir 1 by mobilizing manpower and equipment.