Nagma (Jumla), March 12:

The construction of Surkhet-Jumla section of Karnali Highway could not be completed within the deadline, which ends tomorrow.

The construction of the road that is often linked with the prosperity of the Karnali zone was even on the priority list of the 21-point agenda of the council of ministers following the February 1 royal takeover last year.

The construction work for the highway began in 1992/1993 from Srukhet’s Bangesimal and construction of almost all the portion in Kalikot district has been completed. However only a part is under construction in Jumla.

The Royal Nepal Army, which was assigned the construction work in 2003, constructed the 112 km to 197 km section of the highway.

Although opening of track under RNA is going on, it is estimated that it will take at least one more year to complete the construction of the highway.

Small contractors who have been awarded construction works of small portions of the road said the breaking of rocks on Pili-Khallagadh section, which is the RNA’s responsibility, could not be carried out due to the lack of explosives.

Nothing has been done for the construction of bridges over Karnali river in Kalikot and Sinja river at Nagma.