August 17:  The government has blacktopped 820 kilometers of road and constructed 222 bridges across the country in the last fiscal year.

According to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, 249 kilometers of road was reconstructed and 243 kilometers of new track was opened during the period. 

Although the Ministry had initially set a target to perform maintenance on 761 kilometers of roads within the last fiscal year, the actual figure that underwent repair was 538 kilometers.

Keshav Kumar Sharma, the Secretary at the Ministry, highlighted that despite encountering various challenges, the Department of Roads managed to achieve approximately 69 percent progress.

Sushi Babu Dhakal, the Director General of the Department, acknowledged that the anticipated progress in the infrastructure sector was not realized.

The Department had aimed for an 80 percent progress rate but could not attain it. However, Dhakal stated that the advancement of national pride projects demonstrated satisfactory results.

Work was underway on the Nagdhunga-Naubise road section, and contract management activities for upgrading the Kakadvitta-Laukahi road along the East-West highway were in their final stages.

Furthermore, noteworthy projects were in motion, including the commencement of construction on the Mulghat-Subhangkhola section along the Tamor corridor and the development of a flyover at Gwarko.

Additionally, the Department shared that steps were taken to secure consent for multi-year contracts and resource guarantees for the construction of flyovers at Satdobato and Ekantakuna.

Meanwhile, the Suryabinayak-Dhulikhel road along the Araniko highway was undergoing construction. (RSS)