KAVREPALANCHOWK: The expansion of the Araniko Highway section from Suryabinayak in Bhaktapur to Dhulikhel in Kavrepalanchowk into a six-lane road has slowed in recent weeks due to rising construction material costs and supply shortages.
The Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel segment, part of the Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel–Sindhuli–Bardibas road project, has achieved around 70 percent physical progress on the 16-kilometer stretch since work began about three years ago. However, construction activity has decelerated over the past one and a half months.
Contractors cite continuous price hikes, limited availability of materials, and unfavorable market conditions as key reasons for the slowdown. Although work is ongoing, they say it is unlikely to be completed within the extended deadline at the current pace.
Around 70 percent of the Sanga–Dhulikhel section has been completed. Earlier, the project aimed to reach 90 percent completion by the end of the current fiscal year. Rabindra Shrestha of Lama Construction said that rising material costs and supply constraints have made it difficult to maintain previous work intensity.
He urged the government to declare a “construction holiday” and address price adjustments to ease pressure on contractors. Efforts to import essential materials such as bitumen from India have so far been unsuccessful. Progress in the Suryabinayak–Sanga section remains slower, with only about 48 percent of work completed.
During a monitoring visit on Thursday, Kavrepalanchowk District Coordination Committee chief Deepak Gautam stressed the need for preparedness as the monsoon approaches, warning of increased risks at construction sites. He called on contractors and project officials to ensure smoother traffic flow and minimize disruptions.
Chief District Officer Gopal Adhikari also directed immediate measures to manage dust and mud, which have been causing difficulties for commuters and local residents.
Project chief Vijay Kumar Mahato acknowledged that completing the work within the stipulated timeframe will be challenging under current conditions. He said government agencies are working to address sector-wide issues and facilitate the import of bitumen.
The project aims to upgrade the existing two-lane road into a six-lane highway, including service lanes on both sides and a 2.5-meter footpath. The deadline was extended by one year in late December to accelerate progress.
The road is being upgraded in two sections: Suryabinayak–Sanga and Sanga–Dhulikhel. The contract for the eight-kilometer Sanga–Dhulikhel stretch, awarded to Lama Construction Pvt. Ltd. for Rs 4.56 billion, with only 60 percent of work completed.
Currently, blacktopping has been completed on an 800-meter stretch in the Pulbazar–Janagal area. Work is ongoing in other sections, including road cutting, gravel laying, culvert construction, and riverbank protection in areas such as Banepa and Sanga.
The 7.5-kilometer Suryabinayak–Sanga section has also seen its deadline extended. Construction of retaining walls, drainage systems, culverts, and an underpass in Sanga is progressing, though geographical challenges such as sharp curves and embankments have slowed work.
Additionally, three bridges under the Bhaktapur–Dhulikhel road project are being built as planned. Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to ease traffic movement and support tourism development in the region.
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