Nawalparasi, February 17
Road upgrading works are ongoing at a rapid pace along the Daunne section of the Butwal–Narayangadh road. The 113-kilometre Narayangadh–Butwal road section was divided into two parts for expansion. The eastern section from Narayangadh to Daunne (65 km) and the western section from Daunne to Butwal (49 km) were awarded to China Construction Pvt. Ltd. for Rs 16.99 billion.
However, the work has yet to be completed. Concrete paving and other construction activities are currently underway. The cost of the Gaindakot–Daunne section is Rs 9.13 billion, while the Daunne–Butwal section costs Rs 7.86 billion.
The prolonged delay in completing the road expansion has caused hardship to the general public. During the monsoon, the road becomes muddy, and in winter, dust creates serious problems for travellers along the route. The project aims to expand the existing two-lane road into four lanes along 29 kilometres, six lanes across 70 kilometres in market areas, and three lanes along 13 kilometres in the Daunne stretch.
The expansion work began on 8 Chait 2075 BS and was scheduled for completion by Shrawan 22, 2079 BS. However, it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tree-cutting issues, delays in relocating electricity poles and drinking water pipelines, local obstructions, labour problems, and issues related to the contractor company.
The deadline was first extended until Shrawan 11, 2080 BS, then until Shrawan 8, 2081 BS for the second time, and finally extended for a third time until Shrawan 8, 2082 BS.
