KATHMANDU: Local governments and stakeholders have expressed concern over delays in the six-lane road expansion project from Suryabinayak to Dhulikhel.
During a discussion held in Banepa on Sunday among project officials, contractors and stakeholders, participants stressed the need to speed up construction work and ensure smoother transportation before the monsoon season begins.
Contractors involved in the road expansion project committed to bringing service lanes and auxiliary roads in the Banepa section into operation without obstruction.
Officials said construction work would be accelerated to immediately reopen blocked service lanes and alternative routes near the Punyamata River bridge and the Bhaisipati River bridge in Banepa.
Similarly, authorities stated that efforts would be carried out to deepen, clean and conserve the Punyamata River to prevent flooding in the Pulbazar area during the rainy season. Structural works necessary for the safety of the bridge over the river are also expected to be completed soon.
Stakeholders said that although fully blacktopping the main road before the monsoon may not be possible, at least the service tracks should remain operational and safe for public use.
Concerns were also raised over dust pollution, poor road conditions and increased risks of traffic accidents caused by the disorganized construction work.
According to the project office, the overall physical progress of the Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel Road Expansion Project has reached around 70 percent.
Officials said preparations are underway for blacktopping the main lanes, but shortages of bitumen have affected progress. The project office stated that efforts are being made to manage the required construction materials.
The approximately 15.8-kilometer road expansion project began around three years ago. However, construction progress has slowed significantly over the past two months.
Construction companies say shortages of materials, rising prices and difficult market conditions have disrupted the work. Although the project had initially targeted completion of most works within the current fiscal year, officials now acknowledge that the deadline is likely to be missed.
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