Bitumen shortage stalls road blacktopping in Karnali Province, targets unattainable

The Karnali Province faces a significant setback in its infrastructure development goals due to a critical shortage of bitumen. This essential component for road blacktopping has become scarce and prohibitively expensive, directly impacting the provincial government's target of completing 161 kilometers of roads in the current fiscal year. The situation is dire, with contractors struggling to continue projects as prices have tripled, making operations financially unfeasible. Arjun Kumar Bam, secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development, highlighted the impact of West Asian tensions on supply chains, further compounding the problem. The data reveals a stark reality: by mid-April, only 53.26 kilometers had been blacktopped, and several districts, including Kalikot and Humla, reported zero progress. This delay not only affects the current fiscal year's targets but also raises concerns about the long-term development of Karnali's road network, crucial for connectivity and economic growth in the region. The Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal, Karnali Chapter, has voiced concerns, emphasizing the impracticality of continuing work under the current cost conditions. The province's reliance on imported materials and vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions are laid bare by this crisis.

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The lack of bitumen during the construction season has hit targets hard. Even when available, prices have tripled.