The Beni-Jomsom-Korala section of the Kaligandaki Corridor, a crucial link under the North-South Trade Route Expansion Project, has achieved 85% completion. This national pride project, which connects Nepal’s northern Korala border transit point, is making steady progress, bringing the vision of an upgraded trade route closer to reality.

According to the Beni-Jomsom-Korala Road Project, the overall physical progress stands at 85%, excluding the nine projects added in the current fiscal year. Information Officer Bishnu Chapagain reported that road upgrading has reached 85%, while the construction of bridges and culverts is at 84% completion.

Initiated in the fiscal year 2016/17, the project has advanced significantly. Seven roads have been blacktopped, and six have been graveled as part of the road expansion efforts. The blacktopping and upgrading work has been completed in seven key segments, including Beni-Kalipul, Beni-Galeshwor, Tatopani-Kaiku, Kaiku-Kobang, and Jomsom-Kagbeni in Myagdi and Mustang districts.

The Jomsom-Korala section has progressed through six phases, with graveling work on the 25-kilometer Charang-Chhoser stretch nearing completion. Out of the targeted 105 kilometers of blacktopping, 75 kilometers have been finished, while 90 kilometers of the 110-kilometer Jomsom-Korala section have been graveled, according to the Project Office.

Bridge construction is also advancing steadily. Of the 19 bridges planned under the project, 14 have been completed—nine in Mustang and five in Myagdi. The remaining five are under construction and are expected to be completed soon.

As a critical component of Nepal’s North-South trade connectivity, the Kaligandaki Corridor holds immense strategic significance. Once fully operational, it is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and economic activities in the region, strengthening Nepal’s connectivity with its northern neighbor. (With inputs from RSS)