Challenges Persist in Narayangadh-Butwal Road Expansion Project: Only 46% Complete

The Narayangadh-Butwal road section expansion along the East-West Highway has reached a completion rate of only 46% within the five years since the commencement of the project.

Despite two extensions to the road project contract, there is still significant work remaining, as reported by Engineer Shiv Khanal, the Information Officer of the Narayangadh-Butwal Road Extension Plan, Eastern Section. Out of the total 114 km of road from Narayangadh to Butwal, 65 km falls within the eastern section. Khanal highlighted that the sluggish progress is attributed to contractors not adhering to their planned schedules. The China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited, entrusted with the project, initiated the expansion in 2075 B.S., with a four-year completion target. Rakesh Jha, the contract co-manager, expressed that the road expansion cannot be concluded within the second extension period and proposed an additional one-year extension.

Various factors, including adverse weather conditions hindering the black topping of the road's finishing section, have contributed to delays. Key tasks, such as relocating water supply and electricity poles, along with a 30 KV transmission line in Siji, Gandakot, and Dumkibas areas, are yet to be finalized. Once expanded, the highway will feature a seven-by-seven-meter width on both sides, accompanied by 6-meter service lanes in market areas. Khanal specified that a 42.7 km stretch of the road will have four lanes, while the southern section will comprise three lanes for approximately five km, incorporating the construction of 12 large bridges and 22 small bridges. The Asian Development Bank has provided 85% loan support for this section, with a total cost of 9.38 billion rupees.