Construction of road diversion underway at Ghami Khola, Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda-2, Mustang, facilitating the transport of hydropower equipment. Photo: Harikrishna Sharma

Construction has begun on a road diversion at Ghami Khola in Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda-2, Mustang, to allow large vehicles stopped at the Mustang Customs Office, entering through the Lizi-Nechung (Korala) border, to continue their journey.

Although smaller vehicles, including electric trucks, can cross the temporary bridge at Ghami Khola, lorries and other heavy cargo vehicles are stopped across the bridge. The diversion work began on Sunday under the coordination of Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, the Department of Roads and local traders, according to Rural Municipality Chairperson Lobsang Chomphel Bista.

“Until the rainy season ends, vehicles will use the alternative route. For now, we will send lorries and other cargo vehicles that were stopped at the customs office through the diversion,” said Bista.

Motorcycles, passenger vehicles and other smaller vehicles will continue to use the existing bridge.

Last week, 18 cargo lorries from Chinese company Sino Hydro Corporation Limited, meant for Manang district, were halted at the Mustang Customs Office parking in Lomanthang-2, Nechung in lack of bridge to bear their pressure.

Since September 29, no goods have entered through the customs office. The incomplete bridge at Ghami Khola has made transporting heavy equipment and goods from the upper regions via Korala-Jomsom to Beni difficult.

The 40-metre-long bridge at Ghami Khola is being constructed by Himdhung Thokkar and Imotel JV at a cost of Rs. 68 million, with around 25 per cent of the work still remaining.

Contractors have been urged to complete the bridge on schedule, with the Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality committing to its handover within the current fiscal year.

Of the 251-kilometre road from Korala to Pokhara, the 186-kilometre stretch between Korala-Jomsom-Beni remains under construction.

Delays in completing the bridge have led Nepali traders to transport goods using smaller vehicles via the customs office.

The Korala border, located at an altitude of 4,650 metres above sea level, is the shortest route (435 kilometres) connecting India and China.