KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to extend the construction deadline of the Narayangadh-Butwal section of the East-West Highway for the third time, as the project has achieved only 69% physical progress so far.
The latest deadline for completing the expansion of the section into a four-lane motorway is expiring on July 24.
The Department of Roads had awarded the contract to China State Construction Engineering Corporation Pvt Ltd in February 2019, with an initial completion deadline of August 7, 2022. That deadline has already been extended twice; first to July 24, 2024 and then to July 24, 2025.
The contractor has now requested an additional 576 days to complete the project. However, it is likely to get a one-year extension, according to Shiva Khanal, the information officer for the project’s Eastern Section.
The project is being implemented with loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The total cost of the project is Rs 16.99 billion for both sections.
The government is upgrading the 113-kilometer Narayangadh-Butwal road by dividing it into two sections. Most of the 55-kilometer Narayangadh–Dumkibas section has already been blacktopped. Only a few stretches—at Chormara Bazaar, Arunkhola, and Dumkibas—remain to be completed, Khanal said.
The project is being implemented with loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The total cost of the project is Rs 16.99 billion for both sections.
Of the total 113 kilometers, 70 kilometers will be expanded into a standard four-lane highway. An additional 29 kilometers will include four lanes with six-meter service lanes on both sides. The remaining 14 kilometers through the Daunne hill will be developed as a three-lane road, taking into account the difficult terrain and traffic conditions.
Relief from Diversion Troubles
Since the collapse of the Binayi River bridge near Dumkibas on January 10, vehicular traffic has been diverted through a temporary route. The diversion has caused major difficulties for drivers and passengers, particularly during the monsoon, with floods frequently washing away parts of the route.
However, a new bridge has now been constructed adjacent to the damaged one. “The bridge has already been blacktopped and is expected to be operational by Saturday,” said Khanal.
Of the total 113 kilometers, 70 kilometers will be expanded into a standard four-lane highway, while an additional 29 kilometers will include four lanes with six-meter service lanes on both sides.
The bridge will bring much-needed relief to travelers who have been facing delays and inconvenience for months.
Meanwhile, construction of bridges over the Arunkhola and Giruwari rivers in the eastern section will begin only after the monsoon rains end, according to Khanal.
Focus on Daunne Section
Managing traffic through the Daunne section has become increasingly difficult for the project office, especially during monsoon. The project team is planning regular maintenance of the section to ease travel through the area.
“Because of monsoon rains, only maintenance work is possible in the Daunne area. We are adding extra layers of gravel to improve driving conditions during the monsoon,” Khanal added. “Other works like building culverts will be possible only after the rains end.”
