The upgrade work has begun on the Palpa Ramdi Ranimahal road section of the Kaligandaki Corridor, which remained idle for 10 years. Upon completion, this section will contribute to the development of the corridor, connecting the Korala border crossing in China to Maldhunga and Gaindakot in eastern Nawalparasi. The project had stalled due to delays in opening the track on the 17-kilometer stretch of the Palpa Ramdi Ranimahal road section.
Although the track was eventually opened under the previous contract, the contract for the Ramdi Ranimahal road upgrade could not be awarded for years due to budget constraints. The Ministry of Finance only confirmed the necessary budget for the fiscal year 2024/25, allowing the office to issue a notice, select a new contractor, and commence work in the Ramdi Ranimahal area. Since work began, daily monitoring has been conducted by the office chief, engineers, technicians, and public representatives. Witnessing the rapid progress, local resident Dolraj Adhikari expressed optimism that the road would finally be completed.
With significant progress already made, locals believe that once the corridor road is fully paved, transportation will become easier, and agricultural products will reach markets more efficiently. Narendra Raj Pachbhaiya, a local resident, emphasized that the completed road is expected to increase the movement of religious tourists from China and India.
“Locals are pleased that the contractors have divided the work into sections. Many never imagined that a motorway would extend from Ramdi to the Kaligandaki banks in the Ranimahal area. Once paved, this corridor will facilitate the sale of agricultural produce, improve access to healthcare, and create new employment opportunities,” said Prem Narayan Panthi of Baganaskali Mandran.
The Ramdi Ranimahal road section is being closely monitored by the office, public representatives, and social leaders to ensure timely completion. Former Industry Minister Som Prasad Pandey is also advocating for the completion of this long-pending section of the Kaligandaki Corridor Road.
Following the opening of the track, the Nepal Government allocated Rs 1.48 billion through the Ministry of Finance, expediting the project. The construction contractor, Him Sagarmatha JV, is executing the road upgrade with a budget of Rs 850 million, aiming to complete the work within three years.
The contractors are working on expanding and widening the road, cutting hillsides, and constructing support walls and drainage systems. Of the 17-kilometer stretch, three kilometers—two in Ramdi and one in Mandran—will require blasting. Blasting work is currently in progress in the hills of the Ramdi area, according to Arun Kumar Khatri, an engineer from the Kaligandaki Corridor Gaindakot-Ramdi-Maldhunga Road Project Palpa Office.
“The contractors have demonstrated satisfactory progress on the Ramdi Ranimahal road section so far. Regular monitoring and inspection are being conducted by the office. If work continues at this pace and the budget remains secure, the project will be completed within the stipulated time frame, ensuring the overall completion of the Kaligandaki Corridor Maldhunga-Gaindakot section,” said Kalpana Adhikari Subedi, Division Chief of the Road Project Palpa Office.
The 132-kilometer road from Gaindakot to Ramdi has already been paved, with regular traffic operation for the past two years. Additionally, the road from Ranimahal to Argali Ridi has been blacktopped, facilitating smooth transportation. The segment from Gulmi Ridi to Arbeni has also been blacktopped. Meanwhile, the road upgrade from Arbeni in Gulmi to Balewa Airport in Baglung is in its final blacktopping stage. Apart from the Ramdi Ranimahal section, traffic is operating smoothly across the Gaindakot-Ramdi-Maldhunga road section, which falls under the supervision of the Road Project Office Palpa.
