A total of 26km roadway tracks were opened for 18 cement factories in 2014-15.

Besides, 51km gravel roads, 201 culverts, and 12,868m small cannels on the either side of the roads were constructed, according to the Department of Roads.

The government, in the budget for 2014-15, had decided to continue with the construction of access road and electricity sub-station and transmission lines to cement factories and their mines.

According to the department, cent percent success in physical infrastructure has been achieved in access road construction for Dang Cement and Rolpa Cement factories in Dang.

Ghorahi Cement and Sonapur Cement in the same district have achieved 95.16 percent and 99.54 percent physical progress, respectively.

Work on access roads to CG Cement, Sarbottam Cement, Palpa Cement and Butwal Cement in Palpa has been completed 25.26 percent, 64.94 percent, 48.2 percent and 82.41 percent, respectively.

The progress of Palpa Cement has remained slow, with the Forest Office demanding additional study on already-approved Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE), according to the department. The progress of United Cement in Dhading too has remained slow due to hindrance from locals. The Road Department has said issues like forest clearance, low bid and high compensation claims are among the major factors hindering the development of access roads.

The department said they tried to reach to forest offices concerned, held discussions on low progress rate with construction contractors, conducted discussions with locals and other stakeholders to resolve the issues hindering the works.

Keshav Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director General at the Department of Roads, said in a presentation the MoI should ease the issues related to forest, tone down the public procurement process and adopt a clear cut policy on land compensation.