Gorkha, January 3
The construction of the Benighat-Larke road, which connects Benighat through Arughat to the Chinese border at Larke Pass, is progressing rapidly. Of the total 154-kilometer stretch, 97 kilometers are now accessible for four-wheeled vehicles.
The Department of Roads constructed the initial 62 kilometers from Benighat to Hawadanda, after which the remaining 92 kilometers from Hawadanda to Larke Pass were entrusted to the Nepal Army. So far, the army has opened 35 kilometers of the track.
The road section from Hawadanda to Pangsing in Chumnubri Rural Municipality is now open for vehicular movement. Additionally, the Nepal Army has handed over an 18-kilometer segment from Hawadanda to Dobhan to the Department of Roads. To facilitate smoother transportation, a Bailey bridge has been installed over Machikhola.
Currently, track opening above Pangsing is ongoing. The Nepal Army’s Road Construction Task Force stated that the road has been divided into four sections for construction. Blasting work is underway at key points, including Pangsing Cliff, Nyak Phedi, Rubinala, and Pewa Cliff.
This year, the government allocated a budget of Rs 70 million to excavate two kilometers of the track. However, Chumnubri Rural Municipality has been demanding additional funds, citing insufficient allocation. Last year, Rs 100 million was provided for the project.
The construction of the Benighat-Arughat-Arkhet section began in 1995 (2052 BS). In the fiscal year 2006/07 (2063/64 BS), the road was formally named the Benighat-Arughat-Larke Pass Road, and the responsibility for its construction was assigned to the Department of Roads. Actual construction started only in 2009/10 (2066/67 BS), but progress was hindered for five years by a hard rock cliff near Hawadanda.
In December 2016 (2073 BS), the Cabinet decided to hand over the road construction to the Nepal Army. Accordingly, the Department of Roads transferred the responsibility in April 2017 (2074 BS), and the army began work that same month.
The road will eventually connect Lapu Besi, Machakhola, and Jagat in Dharche Rural Municipality with Sirdibas, Bihi, Prok, Samagaun, and Samdo in Chumnubri Rural Municipality before reaching the Chinese border at Larke Pass.
This road is regarded as the lifeline for northern Gorkha. However, residents have expressed concerns over insufficient government budget allocation for its completion.
