820 kilometres of road blacktopped, 222 bridges constructed

KATHMANDU, Aug 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 kilometres of roads were reconstructed and 243 kilometres of new track was opened during the period.  

Although the Ministry had set a target of carrying out periodic maintenance of 761 kilometres of road in the last fiscal year, only 538 kilometres were repaired. 

Secretary at the Ministry, Keshav Kumar Sharma, said the Department of Roads achieved around 69 percent progress despite different types of obstacles.

Director General of the Department, Sushi Babu Dhakal shared that the Department could not achieve the expected progress in the infrastructure sector. 

The Department had expected 80 per cent progress but could not achieved it, he mentioned. The progress of the national pride projects was satisfactory, according to the Department. Activities to upgrade Nagdhunga-Naubise road section was underway as well as contract management activities for upgradation of Kakadvitta-Laukahi road along East-West highway have reached final phase.  

According to the Department, construction of the Mulghat-Subhangkhola section along the Tamor corridor has begun as well as a flyover is being constructed at Gwarko.

Similarly, consent has been sought for a multi-year contract and guarantee of resources for the construction of flyover ay Satdobato and Ekantakuna as well as Suryabinayak-Dhulikhel road along Araniko highway is under construction, added the Department.