The under-construction ‘Birendranagar Ring Road’ in Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province, has not been completed even after nearly two decades since it was started. The ring road construction work, which began in the fiscal year 2062/63, remained incomplete even by 2082 BS due to land disputes, forest area obstructions, and compensation-related problems.

The approximately 29-kilometer-long ring road, which was started with the aim of connecting Bangesimal from Subbakuna via Ghusra in the southern region, has so far opened tracks in most areas, but construction has not been completed in all sections. According to the latest details, only about 24 kilometers of tracks have been opened, while blacktop work is still pending in some places.

The construction work has been affected by disputes over land acquisition and compensation, especially in Wards 1, 2, 8, 10 and 12. The locals have been adamant that the road will not be widened until proper compensation is received.

As some parts of the ring road also fall within a protected forest area, the legal process related to forests has become another challenge. According to the Road Division Office, the construction has not been able to gain momentum due to the unresolved dispute between the forest area and the settlement area.

The Road Division Office, Chaurjahari, Rukum-West, which was entrusted with the construction, has repeatedly extended the deadline, but the work could not be completed as per the target. The project, which was initially targeted to be completed by Chaitra 2076, could not be completed even after the deadline was extended twice. It is also said that the construction work was stopped for some time after the last agreement period expired.

The width of the road could not be maintained as per the initial plan. Although the agreement was initially signed with the goal of making it 15 meters wide, the road has been limited to 11 meters in some areas due to lack of sufficient land.

Officials from the Road Division Office have said that the remaining work will proceed soon if the dispute is resolved. Meanwhile, Birendranagar Municipality has also stated that discussions are underway among the stakeholders and that the work will proceed with consensus so that the affected citizens are not inconvenienced.

The construction of the ‘Birendranagar Ring Road’, which was started keeping in mind the long-term urban development, transport management and future expansion of the provincial capital in mind, is still uncertain. Locals say that even though development is necessary, the project should not be carried out in a way that will displace them.

Even after 20 years, the construction of the ring road, which is considered a project of provincial pride, has not been completed, and the plan for urban management and transport improvement of Birendranagar is still incomplete.

There has been a dispute since the beginning because the homes of local residents are located in the road area. Especially in ward numbers 1, 2, 8, 10 and 12, the construction work has been affected due to land acquisition and compensation disputes. Locals have been adamant that the road will not be expanded until proper compensation is received.

Since some parts of the ring road also fall under protected forest areas, the legal process related to forests has become another challenge. According to the Road Division Office, construction has not been able to gain momentum due to the unresolved dispute between the forest area and the settlement area.

The Road Division Office, Chaurjahari, Rukum-West, which was entrusted with the construction, has repeatedly extended the deadline, but the work could not be completed as per the target. The project, which was initially targeted to be completed by Chaitra 2076, could not be completed even after the deadline was extended twice. It is also said that the construction work was stopped for some time after the last agreement period expired.

The width of the road could not be maintained as per the initial plan. Although the agreement was initially signed with the goal of making it 15 meters wide, the road has been limited to 11 meters in some areas due to lack of sufficient land.

Officials of the Road Division Office have said that the remaining work will proceed soon if the dispute is resolved. Meanwhile, Birendranagar Municipality has also stated that discussions are underway among the stakeholders and that the work will proceed with consensus so that the affected citizens do not suffer.

The construction of the ‘Birendranagar Ring Road’, which was started keeping in mind the long-term urban development, transport management, and future expansion of the provincial capital, is still uncertain. Locals say that even though development is necessary, the project should not be carried out in a way that will displace them.

Even after 20 years, the construction of the ring road, considered a project of provincial pride, has not been completed, and the plan for urban management and transportation improvement in Birendranagar remains incomplete.