Jajarkot - Jumla tunnel: delay in ‘Pre-feasibility’ study

By Rajani Yogi, Surkhet, Oct.9: The plan to build a tunnel connecting Jajarkot to Jumla is still in limbo, the ‘pre-feasibility’ study of the project has not progressed. 

The project to make a tunnel was put forward in 2021. Office of the Road Division Chaurjahari, Rukum (West), had presented claims about the feasibility of the project. The study was conducted at that time, but, the project could not move forward. ‘Pre-feasibility’ got started again in May 2023. 

Even though it was said that the technical team was going to conduct a study on the field, it has not turned into reality yet. 

Suresh Kumar Bashyal, Spokesperson at the Office of the Road Division Chaurjahari, Rukum (West), said that the project has not progressed from the study phase. He said that the project was to move ahead within five months but the project has not progressed.

He said, “The study is being conducted about the ‘pre-feasibility’, to know if the project can be feasible in the projected area. No work has been done in the field so far. Earlier, the general study was conducted.”

The division office had signed the ‘pre-feasibility’ agreement with ITECO-TMS-RAYS JV in June. 

Rajeev Jha, Head of ITECO-TMS-RAYS JV said that due to the obstruction of the road, the necessary technical team could not conduct the study. 

According to him, there is a delay in completing the work in five months. The on-site work could not be done due to unpaved roads and various obstacles. 

Jha, said, “The field study should have been done by now. As there is no smooth way to get equipment for study, work has not been done.” 

 “Preparations are underway to prepare paperwork for the study. Half of the work of the technical team is in the field and half in the office, but, so far, only office work has been done. Many attempts to go to on-site study were made, had to return from halfway due to various reasons, “he said. 

Naresh Bhandari, former minister and Jumla district in charge of the CPN (Maoist Centre) said that the construction work of tunnel building is in turmoil. 

According to him, the pre-feasibility should have been done in five months and further work should have been started by now. 

He said, “ The project was planned in 2021. Till now, the study has not been conducted. We are working to move the project ahead. Because of various reasons, study is not being done on time.”

The proposed route will connect Kushe Rural Municipality-8 Sangta of Jajarkot to Tatopani Rural Municipality-8 Imilchaghari of Jumla.