A major project which promises so much to change Biratnagar into a modern conurbation by widening two artery roads that cut through this eastern city has hit the roadblock, causing headache to the public.

The Jogbani-Tankisinwari section of Koshi Highway is being expanded to six lanes. The project, which was launched with much fanfare two years ago, has been a nightmare for the locals. With the road dug up on either side, traffic congestion is a regular phenomenon. Marketplaces, wider roads and proper drainage are being developed in the 100-year-old city with the funding from the Asian Development Bank under its Integrated Urban Environment Improvement Project at the cost of Rs2.43 billion.

Twenty kilometres north of Biratnagar lies the city of Itahari which was established two decades ago. The city has well-developed marketplaces, roads and drainage system. Further 20 km north is Dharan Municipality, arguably the most well-planned city in the country. But the concept came very late to Biratnagar.

The current project in Biratnagar, the headquarters of Morang district, is being implemented as per the guidelines of 2000 which envisaged to widen 65 km of roads in inner city areas along with laying of drainage lines. Kalika Construction was awarded the contract to work on the project two years ago and the deadline expires on May 16. Chief and Executive Officer of Biratnagar Sub-metropolitan City Gopal Prasad Regmi said that protests by locals and the Madhes Andolan last year caused the delay. “Public were gung-ho when we tried to bulldoze illegally constructed houses on roadsides and the border blockade cause further delay,” he said, adding that the project deadline will be added.

The 12-metre Pushpalal Chowk-Pani Tyanki road section in the city is being widened to 17 metres and 10-metre Pani Tyanki-Main Road-Roadcess Chowk section to 15 metres, according to the city officials. Ninety percent of illegal structures along the road have been pulled down.

The eastern city took the country into industrialisation era in 1937 with the opening of Biratnagar Jute Mill—country’s first production plant. The city also boasts a rich legacy in country’s politics. As well as playing a role in galvanising a public revolt against the Rana regime in 1946, it has given six prime ministers to the country. “But what the city has got in return is short change. Political leaders and the government failed to develop the city into a modern metropolis and conserve its traditional heritage,” said social worker Torendra Man Singh Pradhan.

Biratnagar was developed as a town in 1914 after the headquarters of Morang was shifted from Rangeli. The country’s second largest city, covering an area of over 58 square kilometres, has been divided into 22 wards. Senior Vice-president of Morang Merchants’ Association Rajendra Raut said that despite showing considerable progress in industrialisation, commercialisation, education and health, the city still lags behind in terms of infrastructure development.