Construction works of the four-lane Nepalgunj-Jamunaha road have been delayed due to contractor’s negligence. Locals complained that MR Pappu JV, a construction company, has not used sufficient instruments and human resources to finish work on time.

As a result, people have been compelled to travel in the dusty and muddy road for a long time. The company was scheduled to complete the work in July, 2015.

Though the construction company has agreed to complete the works within two years, it has already pushed the deadline by additional four months. “Recently, the company asked for another time extension. However, we will penalise them if the works are not completed within January,” informed sources said.

The road is being built with the financial assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). “We came

to know that the company is in financial crisis. They cannot use sufficient human resources and instruments in road expansion,” said an ADB source.  

Chief of the Division Road Office Rajesh Yadav said the company had delayed works due to shortage of construction materials. “However, they have assured us to complete works by January,” said Yadav.   The works at Dhamboji Chowk and Customs Office area are still incomplete and there are no proper footpaths along the road.

Managing Director of Pappu Construction Hari Narayan Rauniyar said the works have been delayed due to a dispute between locals at Dhamboji Chowk for the past two years. “Works in that stretch of the road is almost complete. We can finish them within 15 days,” said Rauniyar, adding that the construction works have also been affected by Tarai banda and unofficial blockade imposed by India on Nepal.