NAWALPUR: The ongoing expansion of the Narayangadh-Butwal road section has come to a standstill due to relentless rainfall.
Ashish Thapa Magar, the project chief overseeing the eastern section of the Narayangadh-Butwal Road Expansion Project, explained that efforts are now focused on ensuring smooth traffic flow rather than widening the road.
“We are prioritizing measures to ease traffic operations since the expansion work has been hampered,” Magar stated.
He added, “The construction company has deployed its workforce and equipment to address roadblocks, repair potholes, lay gravel on slippery stretches, and clear landslide debris.”
Magar disclosed that progress on the expansion project, which began in January 2019 under a contractual agreement, has reached only 52% completion.
Out of the 114 kilometers comprising the Narayangadh-Butwal road, 65 kilometers fall within the eastern section.
“The contractor, China State Engineering Corporation Limited, has faced challenges in meeting deadlines,” Magar noted.
With the current deadline expiring on July 23, the company has requested a one-year extension, citing factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact during the project’s inception, delays in tree removal approvals, and electric pole relocation.
“We are currently deliberating on the extension period in consultation with the consultant,” Magar remarked. He added, “Once finalized, our recommendation for the deadline extension will be forwarded to the ministry.”
While the approval for the timeline extension is expected before July 23, the exact duration remains uncertain pending further decisions.
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