Surya Binayak-Dhulikhel Road Expansion Project Faces Challenges Amidst Progress

Kathmandu. The 16-kilometer road expansion project under construction from Suryabinayak in Bhaktapur to Dhulikhel in Kavre, as a continuation of the Koteshwor-Suryabinayak 6-lane road, is underway.

On one hand, the pleasant sight of high-quality pitch (blacktopping) being rapidly laid by state-of-the-art paver machines is visible on the road section, while on the other hand, due to delays in drain construction and disorganized diversions, travelers have to endure difficult, muddy, and risky journeys even with normal rainfall. In some sections of the project, where the road was dug up for widening, the lack of proper drainage systems has turned the road into a canal of mud and slush with normal rainfall.

Water tankers, buses, and especially two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles and scooters) are forced to move precariously, losing balance on the muddy road. In some sections, the fear of accidents is equally high due to the unknown depth of the accumulated muddy water.

Amidst this dire situation, there is another encouraging aspect of the road expansion. On one side of the road, new blacktopping is being rapidly done using modern 'Vigili' asphalt paver machines and heavy rollers. For the locals and travelers troubled by dust and mud, this blacktopping is like the beginning of a new relief. The pitched section looks very wide and international standard, signaling that the completion of the project will change the economic landscape of this region.

As this section of the Arniko Highway falls on a steep and hilly terrain, large concrete retaining walls have been erected for landslide and soil erosion control. The progress of the massive concrete underpass being constructed beneath the road looks very satisfactory. This underpass will provide safe crossing facilities for local residents on both sides and small vehicles without obstructing the high-speed traffic on the highway.

Similarly, scenes of workers pouring concrete for drainage channels by setting up formwork and tying iron rods confirm that the foundation of the infrastructure is being strengthened. While road construction work is progressing rapidly, the weak vehicle management by the construction entrepreneurs and the lack of a road diversion plan have made the journey hellish due to the mud on one side while the other side is being pitched.

The Suryabinayak-Dhulikhel road is the 'lifeline' of the nation. Stakeholders demand that the construction work be expedited and accompanied by people-friendly management, so that the muddy hardship here is temporary and the shine of blacktopping quickly spreads to the entire section.

Photos: Anup Pradhan/News Agency Nepal