Banke: The long-promised construction of the Khadkabar-Ghiuyabari road, envisioned as a crucial inter-provincial link connecting Salyan district with Chhapargaudi in Kohalpur municipality of Banke district, has remained confined to political manifestos for years, fueling frustration among local voters. Although political parties consistently make the road’s construction a campaign promise in every election, the commitment remains far from fulfillment, much to the dismay of local residents.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the road has been a popular slogan since the election of 2015 BS, yet it remains unbuilt. Candidates running in the upcoming March 5 election to the House of Representatives from various political parties have once again prioritized this project. Surya Dhakal, a candidate from Banke constituency 1 representing CPN (UML), emphasized the road’s importance in empowering the residents of wards 12 and 13 of Kohalpur municipality and Kohalpur city. He believes the road will be a milestone in improving the economic living standards of people in Banke and Salyan districts, allowing for shorter and less expensive travel.
Narayan Gaudel, the Nepali Congress candidate from the same constituency, has also included this road in his key election agenda. He reminded voters of his party’s efforts, such as organizing a rally to pressure authorities to allocate a budget for the road. Gaudel noted that the road is less than 20 km long from Khadkabar to Ghuiyabari in Salyan and claimed it was originally envisioned by BP Koirala, the founding leader of the Nepali Congress.
Other candidates, including Narendra Pandey of the Nepali Communist Party, Suresh Chaudhary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Krishna KC of the Pragatishil Lokatantrik Party, have similarly made the road’s construction part of their election agendas. The route, which passes through Chure hills, flatland, temples, monasteries, and Banke National Park, holds significant tourism potential.
Despite ongoing discussions about the road’s construction, it has yet to materialize, lamented Lal Bahadur Rana, a local leader from ward 13 of Kohalpur municipality. Voters and candidates alike in Banke constituency no 1 remain hopeful that the Kohalpur-Chappargaudi-Khadkabar-Ghuiyabari road will eventually connect remote villages such as Khadkabar in ward 13 of Kohalpur municipality to the road network.