January 12: The Chinese company associated with the construction of Narayangadh-Butwal road has expressed its commitment to complete its work along a section of the East-West Highway in 15 months.

The work remains incomplete even after the extension of the deadline twice.

The project directorate under the Department of Roads and the Asian Development Bank held a press conference on Thursday and provided this information amid public scrutiny and pressure from political parties.

On the occasion, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Prakash Jwala said that the the concerned authorities are working at a war footing to complete the project on time. He also said that the work has gained momentum recently due to constant pressure on the construction company.

Minister Jwala said that the road expansion was delayed due to the problem related to electricity poles, forest clearance, drinking water, extraction of construction materials and the COVID-19 pandemic. Jwala said, "Since the problems have been identified, the work will be completed by coordinating with all sides."

Arguing that all the roads should not be demolished at once, he said, "We will first build a two-lane road on one side of the Narayangadh-Butwal road section and take the responsibility of demolishing the other lane."

Director of the Project Directorate Chudaraj Dhakal said that the lack of construction materials is major problem followed by problems related to electricity poles and site clearance. 

According to the Dhakal, the contractors have been given repeated letters and warnings to complete the work on time or face action including revoking of contract.

He said that the directorate sent letters to the builders seeking answers to reasons for the delay in completing the work and also their plans to complete the work on time.

He added that only a few days ago, the contractors submitted a plan with a commitment to complete the work in the next 15 months.

The 114 kilometres of road stretch was divided in two sections while awarding the contract through a global bidding process. The China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited had won the tender bids of both sections considering its proposal to construct the road section at the minimum base rate.

The project was expected to be completed in August 7, 2022. However, as the contract agreement ended on August 7, the government extended the deadline for one more year at the request of the construction company.

The project is being developed with nearly Rs 17 billion in loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank.