Construction of the Hilsa-Simkot road has been on hold after a 250-metre hard-rock was found in the Chyachhada cliff of Humla district, according to the project officials.   

Project engineer Birendra Bahadur Shahi said they have been conducting numerous blasting operations in the cliff for the last two years.

“We started blasting in the area two years ago and have spent around 3,000 kgs of explosives this year alone,” said Shahi. “We still have 50 metres of track to open.”

Hard rocks were found in other sections of the road as well. Technicians said there are no other alternatives to conducting blasting operations in those area.

But the problem is that only the Nepal Army distribues explosives to the project officials and they do not supply sufficiently.

“We have been demanding explosives time and again, but the Army officials do not supply sufficient explosives on time,” said Shahi, adding that the wait for explosives has delayed the construction works.

Locals confirmed that the construction works have been affected due to the delay in the management of explosives.

Currently, locals operate vehicles in sections of the road from Hilsa to the southern part of the district.