The deteriorating condition of the Madan Bhandari Highway has led to daily difficulties for passengers, drivers, and local entrepreneurs. The damaged road creates challenges for farmers to transport their produce to markets, resulting in increased transportation costs. The Tehrathum District Coordination Committee has urged the relevant authorities to prioritize road improvements. April 16, Tehrathum. The scenic Madan Bhandari Highway connects the verdant hills and rhododendron-filled forests of eastern hills, fog-covered Gufapokhari, and the Himalayan vistas of Phungling in Taplejung — a route that appears to symbolize development and pride but has become a source of hardship, frustration, and danger for travelers.
Starting from RR Garden in Basantapur Bazaar, vehicles immediately stir up clouds of dust ascending an uphill stretch. Just a few kilometers ahead, potholes jolt the vehicles, compelling passengers to hold on tightly while drivers exhibit clear signs of fatigue and stress. Despite years without any significant upgrades, travelers remain trapped in discomfort rather than enjoying their journey. In winter, the road is blanketed with dusty gravel, spreading dirt to nearby homes, shops, and vegetation as vehicles pass. Rainy seasons transform the highway into a muddy and slippery path, creating frequent stoppages and delays. According to local residents, the use of poor-quality surfacing material has worsened the problem.
Alisa Kutuwal, who traveled from Itahari with friends to explore Gufapokhari, had planned an enjoyable trip inspired by enchanting images on social media. However, upon witnessing the poor road condition, she was forced to turn back midway. “Traveling on such a road is impossible,” she expressed with disappointment. “The natural beauty is breathtaking, but the terrible road diminishes the enthusiasm to continue.”
This route poses problems not only for tourists but also for daily drivers and transportation operators. Vinod Basnet, a driver with years of experience on the Basantapur–Taplejung route, states that due to the road’s poor state, expenses exceed income. “Vehicle parts frequently break down,” he explained. “Rain necessitates stopping, and during the monsoon it is difficult to know if the road is open or closed.” Narrow curves, broken sections, and steep muddy slopes increase accident risks, with some stretches so constricted that two vehicles cannot pass simultaneously, causing lengthy traffic jams.
Despite these issues, this route remains a vital economic and tourism lifeline for eastern Nepal. Linking Tehrathum and Taplejung districts, it connects not only people but also opportunities. Thousands of tourists use this path to access destinations such as the Three-jure–Milke–Jaljale region (TMJ), Gufapokhari, Sangu, Menchyayem Danda, Pathibhara, Panchpokhari, Mangalbare, and Phungling. In spring, with rhododendrons in full bloom, the area resembles a colorful garden attracting both domestic and international visitors eager to experience the scenic beauty. However, the weak road infrastructure forces many tourists to abandon their trips prematurely. Local hotel operators report, “Tourists come, but after experiencing the road hardships, they hesitate to return again.”
The worst impacted by the road’s deterioration are the farmers. Difficulty transporting potatoes, ginger, vegetables, milk, and other agricultural products to the market has led to increased freight costs and reduced profits. Lakpa Sherpa noted that occasionally, produce fails to reach markets in time, resulting in losses. Although promises have been made to upgrade the road over the years, no substantial improvements have been implemented. Minor repairs have been undertaken but are not durable, according to locals.
Shree Karki, Vice Chairperson of the Tehrathum District Coordination Committee, stated that the road condition issues have been reported to the relevant authorities. “Improving this route is not just necessary; it is imperative,” he emphasized. “Without upgrading the road, tourism and the local economy cannot develop.” Local youths have also demanded road repairs. If the highway were properly paved and systematically maintained, eastern Nepal’s tourism sector could reach new heights. The Madan Bhandari Highway is more than just a road; it represents the future aspirations of the eastern hills. Along this route, tourists view Himalayan panoramas, farmers bring their products to market, patients travel to cities for treatment, and students commute for education. Yet, currently, this path offers more sacrifice and disappointment than development.
Despite abundant natural beauty and untapped potential, transforming these opportunities into reality requires urgent government attention to the development of road infrastructure.
