Jhapa – Ahead of the monsoon season, the Kankadbhitta–Laukahi Road Project Office (Eastern Section) in Damak has instructed the contractors to complete the diversion work of the Asian Highway’s eastern section as soon as possible.
The Asian Highway is being upgraded with an investment of NPR 1 billion, supported by the Asian Development Bank. The project chief, Engineer Sunil Babu Pant, said that a formal letter was sent today directing the construction company to expedite the diversion work.
There is an increased risk that the diversions, constructed during road building, may be washed away by floods during the monsoon, potentially disrupting traffic. Therefore, it is essential to finish the diversion work promptly.
“Due to potholes and trenches in the diversion areas, there is a high risk of accidents and disasters during the rainy season,” he said. “We have urged the contractor to complete the small bridges and culverts soon so that traffic can run on the main highway.”
Pant added that arrangements are being made to ensure traffic movement on the main highway without interruption during the monsoon.
Currently, physical progress on the road construction stands at 19%, while bridge and culvert work is at 17%. Despite repeated correspondence urging the contractor to avoid delays, progress has been unsatisfactory.
There have also been public complaints about construction delays and the increased risk of traffic disruption during the rainy season.
Pant mentioned that a Rapid Response Team is prepared to immediately address any issues on the highway during the monsoon period. He emphasized that construction work will continue without halt even during the rainy season.
