Two Panchthar roads to be blacktopped

Phidim, March 23

Two roads in Panchthar are set to be blacktopped under Asian Development Bank-funded Rural Connectivity Improvement Project.

Upgradation work on Phidim-Chogmagu-Siwa-Nawamidanda and Phidim-Phalot roads is to start soon under the project that envisions making rural roads suitable for all weather in sixteen districts on priority basis. Preliminary environment assessment of both the roads has been approved.

According to the project, the 24.5km Nangin-Prangbung stretch of the 66km Phidim-Phalot road and 14.85km Samdin-Nawamidanda stretch of Phidim-Chogmagu-Siwa-Nawamidanda road will be blacktopped.

However, the 10 km Phidim-Nangin stretch won’t be blacktopped as opening of the passage for Prangbung-Phalot road has yet to start. District engineer Jayaram Shrestha informed that contractors for the projects were selected through a tender process.

As per Panchthar District Technicians Office, the estimated cost for the upgradation of the two road sections stand at around Rs 1.22 billion.