Myagdi, May 30 – The blacktopping of the Ranbang-Darbang section of the Beni-Darbang road, a vital infrastructure project connecting several rural municipalities in Myagdi, has been stalled due to a lack of budget. Despite being awarded six years ago, the project has faced persistent delays and financial challenges.
The Infrastructure Development Office initially contracted Biruwa-Caravan JV for NPR 225.7 million in 2019 to complete the 7-kilometer road section within two years. However, the deadline has been extended four times, with the most recent extension now expired. To date, only 3.5 kilometers of the road, stretching from Ranbang to Tolabang, has been blacktopped, while the remaining section awaits completion.
Challenges in Execution
The project has been plagued by several issues, including contractor negligence and insufficient funding. Bishnu Poudel, head of the Myagdi Infrastructure Development Office, expressed frustration over the repeated setbacks.
"The project had been left incomplete for years due to the contractor's negligence. When work finally resumed, budget constraints forced the contractor to halt operations after completing half the road," Poudel said.
According to Poudel, an additional NPR 40 million is needed to continue the work, and the contractor has yet to receive NPR 3.5 million for completed tasks.
Provincial Government Involvement
The Ranbang-Darbang blacktopping initiative is part of the Gandaki Province’s "One Provincial Assembly Member, One Model Road Program." It was launched on the recommendation of former provincial assembly member Naradevi Pun to connect Mangala, Malika, and Dhaulagiri Rural Municipalities to the district headquarters in Beni.
While 12.5 kilometers of road from Beni to Sim was blacktopped two years ago, and 4 kilometers from Sim to Panabagar were completed last year, the current phase has stalled halfway due to the financial impasse.
Local Impact
The halt in construction leaves many rural communities grappling with inadequate infrastructure. For years, residents have relied on this critical roadway for access to markets, education, and healthcare. The delay jeopardizes not only economic development but also the safety and convenience of the region's residents.
Way Forward
The Infrastructure Development Office has appealed to the provincial government for immediate budget allocation, but there is no guarantee of funds arriving within the current fiscal year.
Until the financial and administrative bottlenecks are resolved, the Ranbang-Darbang road blacktopping project remains a stark reminder of the challenges facing rural infrastructure development in Nepal.
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