KATHMANDU: Authorities have imposed restrictions on tipper trucks and nighttime vehicular movement along the Dhulikhel-Khawa section of the Araniko Highway to accelerate ongoing road construction and upgrading works.
A meeting of concerned stakeholders chaired by Chief District Officer Gopal Kumar Adhikari decided to prohibit the entry of tipper trucks on the road section from June 28 to July 12 in a bid to complete the remaining construction works.
The meeting also decided to restrict the movement of all passenger and cargo vehicles, except ambulances and other emergency service vehicles, between 7:00 pm and 5:00 am during the same period.
Representatives from Panchkhal Municipality, security agencies, the Road Division Office, local governments, and other relevant bodies participated in the meeting.
Authorities said coordination would be maintained with the district administrations of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Dolakha and Sindhupalchok to facilitate traffic management and inform drivers about the restrictions.
According to the administration, the measures were necessary to ensure the timely completion of the remaining road works and improve road safety and traffic management on the busy highway corridor.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from small-scale contractors and transport operators, who argue that the restrictions come at a crucial time near the end of the fiscal year when many construction projects are racing to meet deadlines.
Small business operators have also called for a review of the decision, arguing that halting tipper movement could disrupt multiple development projects dependent on construction materials during the fiscal year-end period.
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