Expansion of Road Network to Help Jajarkot Change its Face

Jajarkot, a district isolated as recent as five years ago due to the absence of proper road networks and connectivity has come a long way

Minister for Forest and Environment, Shakti Bahadur Basnet told the National News Agency (RSS) that the district could leverage road expansion for its economic development. Minister Basnet shared that many roads such as Jamunah-Chinchu-Jajarkot-Dolpa linking China (Bheri Corridor), Chinchu-Jumla-Rara road linking Jumla with Salyan, Jumla and Mugu and Lumbini-Rara road linking Jajarkot with Lumbini, Dang and Mugu pass through the district making the once-isolated Jajarkot now the centre for road network among other districts in the Karnali State.

“All 13 model villages in the district will be also be linked with road network.”, said Minister Basnet, adding that the construction of new roads and the expansion of already built roads were being accelerated to give development activities in the district an impetus. “Blacktopping of Chinchu-Jajarkot road section has already been carried out while process has been initiated for blacktopping of the Pachkatiya-Khalanga road section. Meanwhile, the Mid Hill Highway towards Jajarkot is currently being blacktopped.”, informed State Assembly Member, Ganesh Prasad Singh. He is also hopeful at the chance of local produces getting access to markets due to these roads. Furthermore, the availability of electricity in the district is also helping Jajarkot change its face.

“Three sub-stations will be built in the district as per the action-plan of Minister Basnet.”, said Nepal Electricity Authority's Jajarkot Distribution Centre Chief, Lok Bahadur Khadka. Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Nalgad Electricity Project is now in the final phase. The project is estimated to generate an additional 410 MW of electricity. Work relating to the construction of sub-stations with 400 KV transmission line at Daanipipal of Nalgad-7 has also already begun. Nalgad Municipality Mayor, Tek Bahadur Rawal also stated that the local government has laid various plans including declaring pocket areas and zone for Sichuan pepper, garlic, honey and orange in order to boost the local trade and facilitate marketing of the local produces.