August 3: The construction of flyover at Gwarko and two other intersections, where feasibility studies have been conducted, has not progressed.

The Department of Roads had conducted the feasibility study of constructing a 'flyover' each at Satdobato, Ekantakuna and Gwarko Chowk.

The Quality, Research and Development Center under the Department of Roads informed New Business Age that the construction could not proceed ahead due to the fact that funds could not be secured for two locations – Satobato and Ekantakuna.

Rabindra Shrestha, engineer of the center, said that even though the feasibility studies for constructing a flyover at Satdobato and Ekantakuna have been completed, the construction is not expected to proceed immediately due to unavailability of funds.

"The first phase of construction has been started at Gwarko Chowk. Now, the flyovers have to be built in two places as well,” said Shrestha.

He said that the department has already sought permission from the Ministry of Finance for the construction of flyovers at these two intersections.

Preliminary studies have been done in both these areas, but detailed studies are yet to be done.

Engineer Shrestha said that just like in Gwarko Chowk, the detailed study of the other two flyovers will be done through Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. He said that when signing contract under this model, the construction company itself will undertake the design.

Engineer Shrestha said that the department had asked for budget with the Ministry of Finance to construct flyovers at both the intersections – Ekantakuna and Satdobato. But the proposal was not approved by the ministry and the construction could not take place.

The budget for the current fiscal year has mentioned that the government will construct 'flyovers' and 'underpasses' at Ekantakuna, Satdobato and Baneshwar and also complete the flyover at Gwarko.

The Center is currently studying the feasibility of constructing an 'underpass' in Baneshwar. Shrestha said that the budget will be discussed after the study is completed. He clarified that there is no immediate plan to start construction in Baneshwar.

According to Shrestha, there is a plan to build an underpass at Baneshwar like the one built in Kalanki with the help of the Chinese government.