KATHMANDU, Dec 21: Simikot, district headquarters of Humla, is soon going to be connected to national road network.
Nepal Army has almost finished the construction of 123 km road from Khulalu of Kalikot to Sallisalla of Humal. This road will now connect district Simikot with the national road network. The 50km Sallisalla-Simikot section is being constructed by a private construction company.
Lieutenant of Nepal Army Milan Karki informed Development and Technology Committee of House of Representatives during the field inspection that Nepal Army has finished the track of 111km road and construction of remaining track of 12km road is in progress.
Lower Humla is connected to national road network
A total of Rs 2 billion 840 million has been allocated for his mega project. Of total budget, Rs 1 billion and 13 million has already been spent during the last fiscal year. Nepal Army has aimed to complete the work of Rs 40 million this fiscal year.
Although the Department of Road had decided to run the road project itself in 2009, the project was handed over to Nepal Army later in 2014. The Department, however, has handed over tender of construction of Khulalu- Simikot road section to private companies. Obstruction by the local people and the shortage of skilled manpower has resulted in sluggish construction.
Locals are now hopeful that the Corridor will complete on time allowing the development of the backward Karnali region and easing their life.
The Chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on Development and Technology Committee Kalyani Kumari Khadka said that the inspection was to find out the problems and settle them at the earliest in coordination with different governments and local people. She also committed to addressing the concerns of the locals.
The Karnali Corridor is 682km long. This road connects Banke, Surkhet, Kalikot and Humla districts. The geographical structure of this region has become the biggest challenge to Nepal Army and other construction companies.
