The expansion of the Sanga-Dhulikhel section of the Araniko Highway, stretching 8.4 kilometers, has encountered delays due to ongoing rain and local resistance. The project has also faced challenges in managing eight historical structures located within this road section.
According to the project details, the Sanga-Dhulikhel stretch includes several significant heritage sites, such as ponds, temples, wells, and stone spouts. Notably, in Bhainsepati, there are two wells and a stone spout, while in Janagal, the Pipalbot area houses the historic Ganesh Temple.
Among these, the Ganesh Temple has already been relocated by the locals. The project now plans to discuss with local representatives and leaders about alternative designs to preserve, manage, and possibly relocate the remaining seven heritage sites at eight locations.
“We have initiated discussions at the local level to manage and relocate heritage sites along the Sanga-Dhulikhel road section. The project will proceed with suitable alternatives based on these consultations,” said Rajendra Prasad Das, the project chief.
The project has proposed relocating the historic pond in Sanga to a location near the Nasika Bhagwati Temple or another appropriate site. The temple and wells could also be moved to the vicinity of this temple. However, there is still uncertainty regarding whether to build a one-sided road around the Nasika Temple after constructing a protective wall. Locals have suggested preserving the temple in its current location due to its historical significance, as reported by project engineer Bishnu Prasad Khanal.
The project has also proposed relocating the stone spout in Sanga slightly further away and constructing it with an integrated water tank. Similarly, in Bhainsepati, the project suggests constructing an intake structure on the right side to accommodate two wells along with a new stone spout. Locals have urged the project to ensure special protection for the sites used during the annual Bisket Jatra in Sanga, including the pond, temple, stone spout, and wells.
The Department of Roads reported that the contract for the expansion of the 15.5-kilometer stretch from Suryabinayak to Dhulikhel was awarded at a cost of NPR 4.05 billion, with the first phase focusing on the 8.4-kilometer Sanga-Dhulikhel section. The construction began on Falgun 16, 2079 BS (February 28, 2023), and is expected to be completed within 36 months. However, as of now, only 28% of the project has been completed within the first 21 months, with 88% progress made in infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, the construction has been halted due to rain and obstructions in some areas, including Banepa Bazaar. The project has completed 12.05 kilometers of retaining walls and 19 out of 29 culverts. Additionally, 12.08 kilometers of drainage construction has been completed, and the financial progress of the project stands at 30.91%.
The expansion work on this section of the Araniko Highway aims to upgrade the existing two-lane road into a six-lane highway. The plan includes constructing two service lanes on either side of the road and a 2.5-meter-wide footpath.
