Kathmandu — Home Minister Sudan Gurung has sharply criticized delays in the Narayanghat–Butwal road project, warning that prolonged construction is increasing safety risks and disrupting daily travel.
The Narayanghat–Butwal road delay has emerged as a major concern, with authorities now pressuring the Chinese contractor to complete the stalled work without further delay.
Delays Raise Safety and Travel Concerns
During an on-site inspection Gurung expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress, stating that the unfinished road has caused serious hardship for travelers. He said the delay has affected transportation flow, increased congestion, and significantly raised the risk of accidents along the busy highway stretch.
“The safety of citizens must be the top priority. Negligence in construction work cannot be tolerated,” Gurung said.
Government Pressures Contractor to Accelerate Work
Gurung directed the Chinese construction company to ensure timely and quality completion of the project, warning that further delays would be unacceptable. He urged the contractor to speed up the work and complete the remaining construction at the earliest.
Contractor Pledges Completion Within 15 Days
In response, representatives of the construction firm committed to completing the road construction within the next 15 days, amid growing pressure from both the government and the public.
Long-Delayed Project Under Scrutiny
The Narayanghat–Butwal road section, a key part of Nepal’s East-West Highway, has faced repeated delays, drawing criticism from commuters and officials. The prolonged construction has disrupted daily mobility and raised broader concerns about infrastructure management and accountability in large-scale projects.
Authorities say they will continue close monitoring to ensure the project is completed on time and meets safety standards.
