Narayangadh-Butwal road section sees only 46 percent progress in 5 years

NAWALPUR, FEBRUARY 7:The expansion of the Narayangadh-Butwal road section along the East-West Highway has encountered significant delays, with only 46 percent completion achieved over the past five years since the project commenced. Despite two extensions granted to the project contract, progress remains insufficient, as highlighted by Engineer Shiv Khanal, the Information Officer of the Narayangadh-Butwal Road Extension Plan, Eastern Section.

Out of the total 114 km stretch from Narayangadh to Butwal, the eastern section covers 65 km. Khanal attributed the sluggish pace of work to contractors deviating from their scheduled plans and emphasized the ongoing efforts to urge adherence to timelines for project completion.

Initially awarded to the China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited with a four-year timeline, the project’s completion faced setbacks. Rakesh Jha, the contract co-manager, acknowledged the necessity of another extension, citing delays in road surfacing due to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, tasks such as relocating water supply and electricity infrastructure in Siji, Gandakot, and Dumkibas areas remain pending.

Upon completion, the expanded highway will feature seven-meter-wide lanes on both sides, with an additional six-meter-wide service lanes in market areas. Khanal specified that a 42.7 km stretch will accommodate four lanes, while a five km segment in the southern section will have three lanes. Construction includes 12 major bridges and 22 smaller ones.

Funded predominantly by the Asian Development Bank, with an 85 percent loan support, the project’s total cost for this section amounts to 9.38 billion rupees.