Unfinished Martadi–Kolti road continues to pose accident risks

Dhangadhi: The 42-kilometer Martadi–Kolti road in Bajura district remains unblacktopped, continuing to pose serious accident risks for travelers. The road connects Martadi, the district headquarters, with Kolti, and is frequently used by long-distance vehicles traveling from Dhangadhi, Attariya, Mahendranagar, Nepalgunj, and Kathmandu.

Local residents have complained that although contractor companies assumed responsibility for blacktopping the road five to seven years ago, the work has yet to be completed. Sudurpaschim Yatayat bus driver Madan Karki said traveling on the road has become extremely risky due to its poor condition.

“It has become very difficult to drive on the Martadi–Kolti road,” Karki said. “We are compelled to operate vehicles considering the needs of local residents.” He added that although the road remains operational, potholes have significantly increased the risk for long-distance vehicles.

In Asad 2076 BS, Dhulikhel Gwalva Shyam & Shankar Pvt. Ltd. of Kathmandu and Baniya Koteshwor J.B. Pvt. Ltd. of Hetauda were awarded the contract to blacktop the road, with a target completion date of Asad 2078 BS. The contract for approximately nine kilometers from Martadi Bus Park to Chuthi was awarded at a cost of Rs 230 million. Similarly, contracts for six kilometers from Chuthi to Dhamkne and 26 kilometers from Dhamkne to Kolti were awarded at a combined cost of Rs 620 million.

While the section from Martadi to Chuthi has been blacktopped, around 31 kilometers from Dhamkne to Kolti remain unfinished. Due to the contractors’ negligence and prolonged delays, commuters have faced significant difficulties during both the winter and monsoon seasons.

The two contractor companies, which took responsibility for blacktopping the Martadi–Kolti road at a total cost of Rs 850 million, have already received more than Rs 350 million as an initial installment. However, progress has not met expectations.

Within two months of bus operations resuming in Kartik, two buses belonging to Sudurpaschim Yatayat and Mahakali Yatayat were involved in accidents in Kolti. One person lost their life, and more than 12 passengers were injured in those incidents.

Raju Baniya, owner of one of the contractor companies, said the delay in construction occurred because the work had been subcontracted, but the assigned parties failed to carry out the work.