The reinforced concrete (RCC) section of the Pushpalal (Mid-Hill) Highway, constructed just four years ago with a promised lifespan of 40 years, has already begun to deteriorate, raising serious concerns over construction quality and oversight.

The damaged stretch lies in Jajarkot, under the Dailekh segment, where Motidan Construction Company built an RCC road on an uphill stretch leading to Dailekh district headquarters from Chamghat Khola. Over the past year, nearly two kilometers of the concrete road have started to crumble, with rebar exposed and vehicular movement disrupted.

To ensure long-term durability on the steep section, the Pushpalal (Mid-Hill) Highway Project Office had opted for RCC, which involves a double layer of rebar and concrete pouring. However, locals say the contractor used substandard materials, resulting in premature damage.

“The road didn’t even last four years,” said a local leader Bishal Shandashkar. “The project office failed to supervise the work properly, allowing the contractor to act carelessly. The technicians and contractors responsible must be held accountable.”

Engineer and Information Officer at the Project Office, Nabin Kharel, confirmed that a maintenance contract has already been awarded. “The road should not have deteriorated this quickly. We suspect several factors, including poor construction quality ,” he said.

Local residents have also accused the authorities of using low-quality materials in the blacktopping of other sections of the highway. With the Mid-Hill Highway serving as a crucial route for western Dailekh, locals fear that the lack of durable infrastructure may hinder long-term development in the region.