KATHMANDU: All major roads leading to Kathmandu, the capital city, are in poor condition.
Since major entry routes such as the Prithvi Highway, BP Highway, Kanti Lokpath and Pasang Lhamu Highway are currently undergoing repairs, they are full of potholes; they become dusty when dry and muddy during rain, making travel difficult and uncomfortable.
Most road projects in the country take longer than planned. With the monsoon season just two months away, it seems unlikely that repairs on these roads will be completed on time. Even though the government and contractors say they are expediting work, progress is still slow.
Infrastructure projects in Nepal suffer delays for multiple reasons. Slow work pace of contractors, delays in securing permission to clear trees and relocate electricity poles and other structures from the right of way, and protests by local people are some of the factors delaying infrastructure projects in Nepal.
Although the Department of Roads has instructed contractors to keep roads open and safe for vehicles during the monsoon season, it is easier said than done, given the slow pace of repair work.
The Nagdhunga-Mugling Road, an important route through which Kathmandu receives the majority of its supplies, is being upgraded into a four-lane road. Three separate contractors are working on three packages of this 95-kilometer section of Prithvi Highway.
The poor condition of major roads not only hampers travel but also affects businesses, tourism and daily life for many people.
The BP Highway, which connects Kathmandu to Madhesh and eastern Nepal, was damaged by landslides and floods in the last week of September last year. Vehicles are currently using diversions built on the Roshi River’s bed. Since these diversions will be inoperable during monsoon rains, workers are raising the road height by 3-7 meters. Officials are hopeful that the task will be completed by mid-May.
The government has set aside Rs 10 billion for the reconstruction of different sections of the BP Highway, which were severely damaged by the floods and landslides. The tendering process has already begun for different packages of this highway built with Japanese assistance.
Other routes coming from Hetauda, such as Kanti Lokpath and Thankot-Chitlang Road, are also undergoing repairs. Repair work, however, is unlikely to be completed before mid-June when monsoon rains begin.
The Pasang Lhamu Highway, connecting Kathmandu to the northern border with China, has been under construction for a decade. While some sections have been paved, construction is ongoing on several other sections. A new contract for a 14.5 km stretch was awarded recently, with a construction deadline of two years.
On a positive note, smaller roads exiting Kathmandu through Sankhu, Sitapaila, and Tokha are in better condition and mostly paved.
The poor condition of major roads not only hampers travel but also affects businesses, tourism and daily life for many people. Travelers should prepare for delays and challenging driving conditions during the monsoon season.
Mero Auto will continue to monitor these roads and provide updates to its valued readers.
