Report on road construction in remote Nepal

                        MEMORANDUM

To      : Director General, Department of Roads,
          Babarmahal, Kathmandu
From    : Er. Padam Bahadur Rokaya, Chief Executive
          Engineer
Date    : 20 December 2026
Subject : Final report on the construction of the
          Tatopani-Simikot Road Project (illustrative)

Abstract

This report presents the results of the construction of a 68 km road, partly gravelled and partly black-topped, in a remote part of Karnali Province, which is about to be completed. The road links Tatopani with the district headquarters and was needed because the villagers had to walk for two days to reach the market and health centre. The project began in July 2023 and will finish in January 2027 at a cost of Rs. 148 crore. By December 2026, 96 percent of the work had been done. The report describes the background, methods and findings.

Introduction

The area is a hilly region with steep slopes, poor soil and heavy snowfall, and it has about 12,000 people in 2,400 households. There was no road, and the sick had to be carried on stretchers. The government approved the project to give access to health, education and trade. The objectives were: to build an all-weather road of 68 km, to connect the villages to the district centre, to create jobs, and to complete the work within 42 months.

Methodology

1. Survey and design: a topographic survey, a geological study and design by the department as per the Nepal Road Standard.
2. Contract: three contract packages were awarded through open bidding.
3. Construction: cutting by excavators and some blasting; removal of soil; slope protection by gabion and masonry walls; drains and 84 culverts; 4 bridges; and a pavement of sub-base, base and, for 40 km, a bituminous layer.
4. Local participation: nearly 300 local workers were employed, and local materials were used where possible.
5. Quality control: a field laboratory tested compaction, aggregates and asphalt, and weekly inspections were carried out.
6. Safety and environment: warning signs, helmets, planting on slopes, and a muck disposal plan.

Findings

• Of the 68 km, 65 km have been completed, including 40 km of black-top. All four bridges and 80 of the 84 culverts are complete.
• Travel time to the district centre has fallen from two days to three hours.
• Prices of goods in the villages have fallen by about 20 percent, and the number of patients at the health post has increased.
• The cost was 6 percent over the plan because of the higher prices of fuel and transport.
• Delays: snow in winter and monsoon landslides stopped work for about five months over the project period.
• Landslide risk remains at six places, which require constant maintenance and the use of bio-engineering.

Remaining sections

The remaining parts, namely the discussion, conclusion, recommendations, references and appendices, will be given in the full report.