Kathmandu, Dec 22: The Tatopani–Ghansa section of the Kaligandaki Corridor Highway has been upgraded under the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road project, a national pride infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening north–south connectivity in Nepal.
The highway, which runs along the Kaligandaki river corridor, is strategically important as it links Nepal with both China and India, facilitating trade, tourism, and regional mobility.
According to project officials, the 16.5-kilometre Tatopani–Ghansa stretch has been paved and concreted by Sharma–Gajurmukhi Joint Venture at a contract cost of Rs 630 million, excluding 3.3 kilometres of road damaged by landslides. The road upgrading plan, launched in fiscal year 2073/74, envisaged widening the route to 11 metres and developing it as a two-lane asphalt highway.
Despite being completed five years behind schedule, the upgraded road has significantly improved travel conditions in the rugged mountainous terrain. Project Manager Narendra Neupane said construction delays were caused by difficult geography, the COVID-19 pandemic, recurrent floods and landslides, and shortages of construction materials.
The Road Project Office is currently in the process of formally taking over the completed section. Meanwhile, fresh contracts have been issued to carry out construction works in landslide-prone areas such as Guinthe, Khambhitta, Duwarikhola, Latokhola, Rupse, Ghoptebhir, and Thadokhola.
In particularly challenging locations including Kabhrebhir, Badarjung, and Ghoptebhir cliffs, road widening was carried out using rock anchoring technology to ensure stability and safety.
Local representatives say the road upgrade has had an immediate impact on mobility. Ramesh Purja, ward chairman of Annapurna Rural Municipality–3, said travel time between Tatopani and Ghansa has been reduced from nearly two hours to just 30 minutes after the road was asphalted.
The improved road section is expected to benefit tourists, pilgrims, local residents, and cargo vehicles traveling to Mustang and the Korala border checkpoint, strengthening trade links and boosting economic activity in the region.
