Kaligandaki Corridor in Gulmi built ahead of deadline

By Tilachan Pandey,Tamghas (Gulmi), June 9: At a time when missed deadlines and delayed infrastructure projects have become the norm, one contractor company has set an example in Nepal’s infrastructure development. 

While many construction companies struggle to meet their promises, Kalika Construction has completed a portion of the Kaligandaki Corridor project ahead of its deadline.  

According to the Gaidakot-Ramdi-Maldhunga Road Project Office of the Kaligandaki Corridor, the total cost of the project was Rs. 3.33 billion. The agreement was signed on December 12, 2022, and the construction was to be completed by December 11, 2025. The contractor completed the work six months earlier than the deadline, bringing joy to the locals of Gulmi and Baglung districts and gaining national attention. 

Sobhakhar Neupane of Arbeni, Kali Gandaki Rural Municipality, Gulmi, said that the contractor’s efforts had instilled hopes among the locals. 

Project Manager of Kalika Construction, Mahesh Subedi, said that despite many shortages, the project was successfully completed. 

He expressed happiness in accomplishing a national pride project, even though more than Rs. 650 million is yet to be paid. He added that the support and cooperation from locals and representatives, who understood the road’s importance, contributed to the early completion. 

Chief of the Gaidakot-Ramdi-Maldhunga Road Project Office, Kalpana Adhikari, said the contractor had spread a positive message by completing the work six months ahead of the deadline. At a time when many projects in the country require multiple extensions yet remain incomplete, the contractor’s accomplishment stands as a national example. She said the project was successful due to the support of local levels and stakeholders. A harmonious relationship between the office and the contractor, as well as the contractor’s dedication despite budget constraints, contributed to the achievement. 

She further added that they were also successful in addressing minor local demands during the construction process. 

Due to the early completion, Kalika Construction has been honoured by local bodies, including Kali Gandaki Rural Municipality in Gulmi and Jaimini Municipality in Baglung. 

The construction of the Kaligandaki Corridor has also brought positive changes in the lives of the locals, who are now engaged in commercial agriculture and livestock farming, generating good income.  

The track that was opened by the Nepal Army has now been blacktopped and completed. 

Engineer Arun Khatri, Information Officer, said that the 21-kilometre Ridi-Harmichaur section has also been blacktopped, with only the handover process pending. The work was carried out by Sharma Sagun JV under a contract worth Rs. 623.6 million, signed on August 30, 2020, and scheduled for completion by July 2024.