The expansion of the Narayangadh-Butwal road section has been halted due to incessant rain, posing significant challenges for tourists traveling through this key route. Project chief of the eastern section of the Narayangadh-Butwal Road Expansion Project, Ashish Thapa Magar, stated that current efforts are focused on ensuring smooth transport rather than widening the road.
“We have now focused on making the road traffic easier as the road expansion work could not be carried out,” he said, adding, “The construction company has deployed its human resources and equipment to ease traffic in the blocked areas.”
The contractor has been assigned to repair potholes, place pebbles in slippery areas, and remove landslide debris. “The contractor company had been reducing its resources a week ago since the onset of the monsoon this year,” Magar explained. “The work has been halted due to rain.”
Since the project’s inception in January 2019, only 52 percent of the road expansion project has been completed. The 114-kilometer Narayangadh-Butwal road includes a 65-kilometer eastern section, where China State Engineering Corporation Limited, the contractor, has struggled to advance the work on time. With the deadline expiring on July 23, the company has applied for a one-year extension, citing reasons such as the COVID-19 pandemic, delays in tree cutting approvals, and shifting electric poles.
“We are discussing how many days it would be appropriate to extend the deadline,” Magar noted. “The consultant and we will forward our recommendation to the ministry for timeline expansion.”
This halt in road expansion significantly impacts tourism, as travelers face delays and challenging road conditions. Tourists are advised to take alternative routes to avoid inconvenience. If you were planning to travel through this road, please consider other methods or routes to ensure a smoother journey.
