Besisahar-Chame road section to undergo major upgrade

By Yadu Prasad Bhatt,Manang, July 28: The Besisahar-Chame road section connecting Manang is set to receive a significant upgrade, with blacktopping scheduled for this fiscal year. This road, known for its vulnerability to annual landslides, has been identified for critical improvements.

The ongoing Manang-Masryangdi Hydropower Project is collaborating with the Dumre-Besisahar-Chame road plan to facilitate the road's blacktopping. The project aims to expand and enhance the road infrastructure to support hydroelectricity development.

Prateek Mansingh Pradhan, Deputy General Manager of the hydropower project, highlighted the importance of upgrading the road to support the construction. "Given the challenging geography, the road, which is currently narrow and landslide-prone, will be widened. We will conduct necessary cuts and stabilise slopes, ensuring the road is properly blacktopped," he said.

The hazardous condition of the road has long been a concern for both locals and tourists. In response to these difficulties, Tek Bahadur Gurung, a Member of the House of Representatives, announced that road improvement work has commenced. "The upgrading process is progressing with road paving, achieved through coordination and partnership with the government and relevant agencies. This initiative aims to improve access for both residents and visitors," he said.

Kiran Pokhrel, Acting Head of the Bensisahar-Chame Road Plan, reported that a comprehensive plan is being developed to ensure that the road can accommodate both small and large vehicles during winter and the rainy season.

The road upgrade will impact several settlements, particularly those in Syange, Srichaur, Jagat Chamche in Lamjung, and Dharapani village in Manang. Locals have faced ongoing challenges due to road blockages caused by snow and floods in the winter months.

Previously, around eight kilometres of the road from Bensisahar to Khudi were paved two years ago. However, many areas within this section remain hazardous and require further expansion and improvement.