By Netra Shahi, Khalanga, Mar. 14: A huge rocky cliff obstructing the Nagma-Gamgadi Highway has been demolished so as to create small corridor for vehicles to ply through.

Passing right through the rock has immensely eased to-and-fro transportation along the highway as the four-metre wide road has now been extended to seven metres. Once much feared section of the highway, the rock posed a great deal of risk for drivers, especially those load-carrying lorry drivers to make the turn. Bearing this in mind about 1,800 metres of road has been paved through the rocky cliff, locally known as Jiya Bhid, according to Division Road Office, Jumla.

“We have already monitored the route, and so far the work has been impressive,” said Division Road Office Chief, Lila Bahadur Bhandari. Thodung Constructions has been responsible for the road extension and upgradation responsibility. “The entire work contracted at Rs. 22 million has been done and dusted,” informed Chief Bhandari.

Likewise, most sections along the highway have either already been upgraded or are in the process of construction and upgradation. The Division Office is confident that vehicles will be able to move unhindered along the highway by the end of the current fiscal year. 

One of the most decrepit and muddy roads of the section at Ghodenga (Sinja) has also been improved, as per Chief Bhandari.

The Nagma-Gamgadhi road section which leads to the mesmerising Rara hill is a busy road, especially during tourist season. Local residents and tourists visiting Rara Lake faced several difficulties due to the delay in road upgradation work. The road got muddy during monsoon and dusty during winter, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through it.

However, with the upgradation work gaining steady momentum, the transportation woes are soon going to be addressed. Gravelling for the remaining 16 kilometres of the road is also underway. In order to complete the construction of the entire highway, a total of Rs. 200 million is required. “We have requested for the required amount from the federal government and expect to receive it soon,” added Bhandari.