MANANG, Jan 19: Travel to Manang, a popular tourist destination, is becoming more accessible with the ongoing expansion of its road network. The Dumre-Besisahar-Chame section has gained significant progress, nearly two decades after the track's opening.
The Dumre-Besisahar-Chame Project blacktopped eight kilometers of road from Besisahar to Khudi during the last fiscal year, said sub-engineer Suman Adhikari. He said that the Manang-Marsyangdi Hydropower Project has also contributed to the development of roads in challenging terrains to facilitate vehicle movement. A budget of Rs 510 million has been allocated for roads and bridges under this section.
Track opened in Manang 20 years after starting road expansion
Pratik Man Singh Pradhan, Vice President of Butwal Hydropower Company Limited, said that efforts are underway to widen roads and improve infrastructure to ease transportation of materials for the hydropower project. "Expanding the road network will not only support energy production but also promote tourism, boosting the local economy," he said.
The 135 MW Manang-Marsyangdi Hydropower Project, under construction in several wards of Chame and Nason Rural Municipalities, prioritizes road development. An agreement for the project was signed in January 2023 between Butwal Power Company (BPC) and three Chinese companies—SCIG International, Qingcheng International, and QYC International.
The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 33.38 billion, will see 20 percent equity investment and 80 percent debt financing. BPC holds a 20 percent stake, while the Chinese companies collectively own the remaining 80 percent. The hydropower project is expected to generate 766.59 GWh of electricity annually as a ‘peaking run-of-the-river’ system.
The improved road infrastructure is anticipated to enhance daily life for locals and attract more tourists to the region.
