Birgunj Road Expansion Drive Causes Widespread Disruption for Residents

Janakpurdham. Bulldozers are currently in full operation along the Tribhuvan Highway, considered the heart of Birgunj. Efforts are underway to widen narrow roads that have existed for years to meet national standards. While this may transform the city's appearance, the change has brought significant hardship to the locals, making their daily lives difficult.

From early Sunday morning, bulldozers operated from Gandak Chowk to the Miteri Bridge at the India-Nepal border. Under the leadership of the Road Division Office, Hetauda, and monitored by security personnel, structures built through encroachment were demolished.

With the goal of widening the road by 25 meters on both sides, a plan to remove approximately 1,200 private structures and 29 government buildings is being implemented rapidly.

This campaign is being carried out on a legal basis. Following the Supreme Court's decision and the federal government's directive, the plan has the support of the local government, but many are suffering as the plan is put into practice.

Forced to vacate homes and shops shortly after the notice was issued, locals are compelled to move their belongings overnight. Traders who have been operating for decades are not only confused but also stressed by the sudden closure of their businesses. Everyone has started complaining that they were not given enough time to relocate systematically.

Along with the demolition, the biggest problem is the disruption of basic services. With power lines, water pipes, and communication cables cut, the main market area has been plunged into darkness. As the Nepal Electricity Authority's supply remains interrupted, there has been no electricity for several days, a problem compounded by the rising heat.

Children, the elderly, and the sick are the most affected as fans and coolers are not working. Security concerns have also increased as the market remains dark after sunset.

Locals fear that the lack of light could lead to an increase in incidents like theft.

The water supply problem has become equally serious. With the pipeline blocked, regular water supply has stopped, and due to the lack of electricity, city residents are unable to operate motors for boring, making it difficult to meet even basic daily needs.

Local resident Deepak Sarraf says, 'Development is necessary, but such steps taken without preparation have made it difficult for us to survive. There is no water, no electricity; how are we supposed to spend our days in this heat?'

Regarding the hardship faced by the locals, the Metropolitan City stated that it would take a few days. 'The power lines were cut because there was a risk of electrocution due to damage in various places,' said Arvind Lal Karna, Chief Administrative Officer of the Metropolitan City. 'Everything will be restored within two days after making all necessary arrangements.'

In the long run, the road expansion is expected to improve traffic management in Birgunj, boost commercial activities, and strengthen its importance as a border city. It is believed that the wider road will reduce traffic congestion and facilitate easier movement.