National
Narayangadh-Muglin road widening works over 29 percent in 18 months
The Narayangadh-Muglin Road Project has completed only 29 percent of construction works in the past 18 months. In this period, half of the road-widening should have been over.Shiva Puri
The Narayangadh-Muglin Road Project has completed only 29 percent of construction works in the past 18 months. In this period, half of the road-widening should have been over.
Shiva Khanal, an engineer for the project, said the road expansion was delayed by last year’s earthquake, the border blockade and the monsoon. “We would have completed the works on time had there been no obstructions,” said Khanal, adding that they have no hope the project will be completed in the given time.
According to the agreement, contractors are required to complete the project by April 2017. Three Nepal-India joint venture companies have been contracted to carry out the works. Project officials said each contractor has been awarded a 10-12km stretch.
The Nepal-India Regional Trade and Transport Project had started the construction in April last year. The World Bank has provided a Rs3 billion aid package for the upgradation.
The project is making efforts to extend the deadline “for the last time”. The 33-km Narayangadh-Muglin section is being upgraded to the Asian Highway standard. The road will be expanded to two lanes with a width range of 7 to 11 metres. Currently, the road is 5.5 metres wide.
The stretch bears the heaviest traffic in the country, accounting for 90 percent of Nepal’s total international trade traffic. More than 20,000 vehicles ply the road every day.