KATHMANDU: The Maldhunga-Beni road will be closed to vehicular traffic for 13 days to facilitate the ongoing black-topping project. This road segment is part of the Kaligandaki corridor highway, a significant national project connecting Nepal's northern and southern borders. Currently, the focus is on black-topping the five-kilometre Maldhunga-Pharse section out of the total 13 kilometers planned for the Maldhunga-Beni road. Once completed, seven kilometers of the road will still require black-topping in subsequent phases.

An all-party meeting convened at the District Administration Office made the decision to close the road, effective from June 22, except for essential service vehicles such as ambulances. Alternative routes have been recommended for drivers during this period. The Kaligandaki Corridor Maldhunga-Beni-Jomsom-Korala Road Project Office anticipates completing the black-topping within the specified 13-day timeframe, contingent upon favorable weather conditions.