PANCHTHAR, July 9: The blacktopping of roads connecting rural areas of the district has started through a joint initiative of the federal and provincial governments. 

Most of the roads in the district are muddy so far, and vehicles operate with extreme difficulty in these roads. 

Most of the roads except some sections of the Mechi Highway and Pushpalal Highway (also known as the Mid-Hill Highway) are earthen roads. Till now, 96 kilometers of the Mechi highway and 19 kilometers of the Mid-Hill Highway have been blacktopped. Additional 131 kilometers of roads will be blacktopped within the next few years, as per the government plan. 

About 64 kilometers of the 100-kilometer-long Ranke-Bhedetar road falls in Panchthar district. The road section touches dozens of villages of Falgunanda and Miklajung rural municipalities. An Indian company has got contract for the black topping of the roads. Amar Raj Makhim, chairperson of Miklajung Rural Municipality, said: “Good road will contribute to the economic development of the area.” 

The road sections to be blacktopped go through places like Budhabare-6, Lekhgaun, Kanyatar, Chisapani Panchami, Ravi, Saptami, Panchami, Purano Panchami, and Deurali.

Similarly, the preparation for blacktopping of roads from Salleri to Muwa River of the Phidim-Phalate road section has started. Likewise, blacktopping on a 14-kilometer-long section from Samdin to Nawidanda road is going on. 

The provincial government has initiated the blacktopping of roads through its infrastructure development office. According to Bharat Yadav, chief of the office, the blacktopping of three roads with a budget of Rs 1.5 billion has started. According to him, blacktopping in Phidim-Salleri road section consisting of 11 kilometers of Sarkhande-Yasok, 10 kilometers of Shivakhola-Lumfabung-Nawami danda, and 10 kilometers of Phidim-Falot road sections has started. 

The work for 5.8 kilometers of Shivalaya-Ranitar-Lungrupa road section has initiated. Minister for Financial Affairs and Planning of Province 1, Indra Bahadur Angbo, said: “Pitching roads in rural areas is important to connect with the district headquarters and major highway for easy transportation service, and proper marketing of local agricultural products.” 

He said the development of rural areas impacts in the overall development. “It is important to develop market access to the headquarters. There is a plan of blacktopping main roads that connect with rural roads,” he added. 

 
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• Mechi_Highway
 
• Pushpalal_Highway