The strategic road linking Galkot in Baglung to Rum in Myagdi via Tarakhola would have been blacktopped four years ago had it been completed on time. However, the project remains incomplete due to the contractor’s negligence, delays in budget release, and challenges in controlling landslides.

Out of the total 40-kilometre stretch, even the 11-kilometre section taken up in the first phase has yet to be completed. Although the road upgrading and blacktopping work has begun, only 78 percent of the physical progress has been achieved so far, said Chandra Bahadur Pun from the Infrastructure Development Office in Baglung. About 72 percent of the payment for the project has already been made. Once completed, this road will connect the Galkot section of the Mid-Hill Highway to Malika Rural Municipality in Myagdi.

The road, estimated at Rs454.75 million, is unlikely to be completed this fiscal year due to a lack of budget. The construction contract was signed with MS Apex Khadka Krishna JV in October 2019 with a two-year completion deadline. After the contractor failed to complete the work, the deadline was extended to April 11, 2025. So far, only 78 percent of the physical work has been completed.

Tarakhola Rural Municipality Chair Dhan Bahadur BK said that although the target is to complete the project by mid-July this year, it seems unlikely. “Though they say it will be done. It is not possible to complete it this year,” he said. “Until landslide-prone areas are cleared, the road cannot be fully blacktopped. Even extending the deadline may not ensure completion. We are trying to ensure the road remains passable during the monsoon.” If the road is blocked, the entire Tarakhola area is cut off during the rainy season.

Once the road is functional, agricultural products from Tarakhola will find easy access to the market. Out of the 11 kilometres, six kilometres have already been blacktopped using Double Bituminous Surface Treatment Technology, and 500 metres have been concreted, according to engineer Pun. On the remaining 3.5 kilometres, road expansion, retaining wall and drainage construction, and sub-base laying have been completed, but blacktopping is yet to be done. Once completed, the road will provide smooth access from Harichaur in Galkot to Sanghubot via Hil in Tarakhola. The municipality’s ring road plan has also been delayed due to the stalled construction.

In addition, the Shahid Marg road that connects Tarakhola via Ghodabande and Argal in Kathekhola Rural Municipality has also not been upgraded. Due to a lack of budget assurance, the contract could not be awarded, making access to the municipality difficult during the monsoon. Once the construction is completed, patients can travel from Tarakhola to Galkot for treatment. Until the road to the district headquarters is upgraded, locals in Tarakhola will continue to depend on Galkot even for basic services.