Kakarbhitta-Laukahi Road Expansion Project Delayed by Unmoved Electric Poles

Jhapa. Construction work has been affected due to the non-transfer of electric poles in the Kakarbhitta–Laukahi road expansion project being constructed with loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Although 29 months have passed since the contract was signed and work began, the project has not achieved its physical progress as targeted because the poles in the road area have not been removed.

The Project Directorate (ADB) under the Department of Roads had advanced the construction work of this project by signing a contract on February 1, 2024. The overall physical progress of this road, being jointly constructed by Chinese construction company CRFG and Nepali company Tundi JV, has reached 43 percent. Out of the total 40 kilometers length, 18 kilometers of one-way road has been blacktopped so far.

Obstruction of Poles in Market Area, Difficulty in Work

According to the representative of the construction company, Doramani Poudel, while there is no problem working in rural and forest areas, a major obstruction has been created by electric poles in the market areas. It has been very difficult to work, especially in the area from Sitapuri of Jhapa to Gothgaon of Morang, under the second section.

Poudel said, 'Even though we started with the intention of doing it as quickly as possible, it has been very difficult to work because the poles have not been moved for two years.'

Due to the non-transfer of electric poles, the road construction has not gained momentum in the market areas of Damak in Jhapa and Pathari and Mangalbari in Morang, due to which public complaints are also increasing at the local level. Currently, this road is being upgraded by dividing it into three sections.

• Poles Not Moved Despite Payment Made a Year Ago

Jagat Prajapati, the project chief of the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi Road Project (Western Section), informed that the necessary amount for moving the poles was paid to the Nepal Electricity Authority a year before the road construction began.

Expressing objection to the delay by the Authority, he said, 'Although a contract was made with the Nepal Electricity Authority a year before the contract was awarded, the work of moving the poles has not been completed, which has increased the risk.'

According to him, more than 30 percent of the poles are yet to be removed in package number 2. He complained that although the Authority had agreed to remove the poles by June, the work has not been completed yet. The project has clarified that although the Nepal Electricity Authority has committed to complete the work of moving poles by the end of June, more than 30 percent of the poles are still yet to be moved.