Humla, the most isolated district of Nepal, is now officially connected to the nation’s road network thanks to the successful completion of the 67-km long Mugu-Humla Link Road.
The well-engineered motorable link road, which is the longest road the UK has assisted in building in Nepal under RAP3, was constructed as part of the UK’s flagship Rural Access Programme Phase 3. It replaces a hiking trail.
At Chankheli Pass, which is located at 3,300m, the route also travels through the greatest altitude for any RAP road.
There are four bridges in MHLR. 37 km of the road are in Mugu, and 30 km are in the Humla district. With help from the UK government, the road’s $10.6 million construction cost was reduced.
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According to British Ambassador Nicola Pollitt, “The accomplishment of this project shows that significant changes are indeed feasible when local residents, representatives from various governmental spheres, and experts work together for a common objective. Additionally, it serves as a shining example of long-term strategic cooperation in achieving the UK’s goal of sustainable, inclusive development for Nepal.”
She also asked various departments of the Nepalese government to properly maintain the road. The cost of transportation has decreased by 66% as a result of this partnership between the UK and Nepal. Food costs have decreased as well; a sack of rice now costs 43% less than it did previously.
Market, medical, and educational access have all improved. To build the MHLR road, more than 4,400 local workers were employed by the initiative. Women made up more than 35% of the workforce. The project also hired underprivileged men and women to maintain provincial and local roads in the province of Karnali.
About 12 lakh employment days were produced for the RAP3-MHLR project’s road maintenance and development, 40% of which were for women. High confidence among women as a result of equal pay rates for men and women led to the end of long-standing prejudice in the area.
In order to respond to foreseeable natural disasters and public health emergencies, MHLR bridges and roads will be essential. MHLR has also ensured the quality of roadside retaining walls, including through bio-engineering, and has planted 25 trees for every tree that was cut down for the road.
By establishing road maintenance jobs in Karnali Province, the MHLR has reportedly assisted the government, local communities, and locals in recovering from job losses brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, by providing medical supplies to the community, it assisted in containing the COVID pandemic and made it possible for the government of the Karnali Province to complete its infrastructure project in a secure setting.
