Physical Infrastructure Minister directs contractor to complete Narayangadh-Butwal road expansion on time

• MP Binod Chaudhary expresses dissatisfaction with contractor company for repeatedly making unfulfilled promises

KATHMANDU: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, has directed the contractor company, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), to complete Narayangadh-Butwal road expansion on time. He stated that the deadline will not be extended if the construction is not completed within the current timeframe.

During a meeting initiated by Member of Parliament Binod Chaudhary, elected from Nawalparsi (West) Constituency No. 1, in Singhadurbar, Kathmandu on Monday, Minister Jwala issued a directive to complete the road construction. The meeting was attended by the Chinese contractor, Director-General of Department of Roads, lawmakers, and local representatives.

Minister Jwala instructed the Chinese contractor to complete the work on time, warning that the contract could be terminated otherwise. He emphasized that the project could not afford any delays.

MP Chaudhary stated that the contractor should work according to the monthly target and if the target is not met, the amount will be deducted. He asked the Physical Infrastructure Minister Jwala to make arrangements to assign the responsibility to another contractor if necessary. He expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor company for repeatedly making unfulfilled promises.

MP Chaudhary told the contractor that Narayangadh-Butwal road should be repaired immediately to facilitate easy vehicle movement. He stated that this work should be completed within a month at most and that the entire work should be completed by September 2024. He emphasized that no excuses could be given if local residents suffered significantly.

Minister Jwala instructed the contractor to adhere to the terms of the contract, stating that the contractor's current behaviour is contrary to the contract. He also instructed the contractor to tarmac the two-lane road on one side first and then to work on another side of the road while paving the road.

He expressed concern about why the road construction has not been completed on time despite there being no issues with releasing funds to the contractor, and no shortage of construction materials, while the electric pylon and cables are being managed.

In the meeting held in coordination with MP Chaudhary, it was agreed that all parties present would conduct an onsite inspection in a month to monitor whether the work has been done according to the instructions.

Roads in Bardaghat-Sunwal Bazar to be tarmacked within Falgun

MP Chaudhary enquired about the timeline for the tarmacking of the road in Bardaghat-Sunwal Bazar, seeking a definitive deadline. The contractor's representative stated that the tarmac will be completed by the end of Falgun. 

Chaudhary directed Shashank Mishra, Project Head of the Dumkibas-Butwal road section, to ensure this. Both the Chinese contractor and the project heads pledged to complete the work within Falgun.

Chaudhary cautioned that he would meet both parties in Bardghat at the end of Falgun, and if the work was not completed, there would be repercussions. He voiced concern for the citizens of Nawalparasi who have endured hardship and declared that he would not accept any dishonest practices.