LALITPUR: The under-construction overpass at Gwarko, said to be the first of its kind in Nepal, has been partially demolished despite being nearly 82% complete.
The ‘precast panels’ of the structure were torn down after cracks appeared in the cement walls due to substandard work.
The cracks emerged when soil was filled behind the walls, prompting the Quality, Research and Development Center to order its demolition. The overpass will now have to be reconstructed.
Built under the ‘Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)’ model, the project was supposed to be operational by now. However, after repeated delays, it remains incomplete.
Both ends of the overpass, Koteshwor and Satdobato, had already been filled with soil, and paving work was about to begin.
However, large cracks appeared on the retaining walls, making the structure unsafe. As a result, contractors were instructed to dismantle and rebuild it properly.
The Department of Roads had awarded the contract to ‘Ashish-Samanantar-Railiger JV’, with a two-year deadline starting from Falgun 12, 2078 BS. The deadline was extended to Poush 8, 2081 BS, but the work remained incomplete. Now, due to quality concerns, parts of the structure are being dismantled for reconstruction.
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