DHULIKHEL: Construction of the Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel road under the Araniko Highway has been ongoing for four years, but work remains far from complete. Only about 45 percent of the road has been finished so far.
Excavation for road widening has created dusty conditions along the route, affecting daily life for residents and commuters alike. The road, a major entry point into Kathmandu used by thousands of people every day, continues to cause inconvenience for the local population.
The project, originally launched in 2022, has faced delays due to slow progress and contract renegotiations. The 16-kilometre stretch has been divided into two segments for upgradation: Sanga–Dhulikhel (8.3 km) and Suryabinayak–Sanga (7.5 km). Separate contracts were awarded for each segment, but delays have compounded problems along the route.
The contract for the Suryabinayak –Sanga section was valued at Rs 3.88 billion, while the Sanga–Dhulikhel segment was contracted for Rs 4.05 billion. The initial completion date was January 8, 2023, but the deadline has now been extended to the end of April 2027.
Despite changes in government leadership since the project’s inception, the road remains incomplete, frustrating residents and commuters who rely on this key highway corridor.
Photos: Binej Amatya
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