Dhangadhi, Aug. 26 -- A journey of just 42 kilometres between Martadi, the district headquarters of Bajura, and Kolti in the northeast takes an entire day. What should have been a straightforward ride has turned into an ordeal where passengers are forced to change vehicles at least six times, walking across landslides, crossing rivers on makeshift bridges, and paying fare up to Rs2,000 for a one-way trip.

The road, riddled with landslides and incomplete sections, means no vehicle can make the full journey from Martadi to Kolti. Passengers first take a vehicle from Martadi to Bahuli Khola, then walk to Anai Khola to board another vehicle. From there, they ride to Jilli, switch again at Rajatoli after walking across a landslide, take anoth...