Six years on, Budar-Jorayal road construction remains incomplete as delays continue

Dipayal: The National Independent Party (NISP), Doti, has expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in the construction of the Budar-Jorayal-Gadsera road and submitted a memorandum to the Infrastructure Development Office, Dadeldhura, demanding immediate acceleration of the project.

NISP Doti District Joint Secretary and Organization Department Chief Dilliraj Bhatta, while handing over the memorandum to the office chief, said the stalled road construction has severely affected the daily lives, education, health and business activities of local residents.

The memorandum also recalled the tragic bus accident that occurred on the road section in 2071 BS and stated that residents are still being forced to travel through unsafe conditions due to the lack of a reliable and quality road.

The party has pointed out that the progress of both road projects has been extremely slow. The first project, contracted with Rajendra-Sharma JV on Ashad 30, 2077, has had its deadline extended to Poush 29, 2082. However, only 43.91 percent physical progress has been achieved so far, and an additional Rs 170 million is estimated to be required for completion.

Similarly, the second project awarded to KS Construction Pvt. Ltd. on Ashad 15, 2078, has had its deadline extended to Chaitra 30, 2083. The project has achieved only 51.98 percent progress, with an additional Rs 65 million required to complete the remaining work.

The NISP has urged the concerned authorities to make public the actual reasons behind the delay and ensure that the projects are completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Clarifying that the party does not intend to blame any particular side, Bhatta said the safety and lives of citizens should remain the top priority and demanded arrangements for safe travel during the construction period.

The party also drew the attention of the Infrastructure Development Office to prioritize the project in line with the government’s policy of good governance and accountability.

NISP Doti District President Keshav Balayar said concerned authorities should take responsibility for the construction of all roads in Doti. “Our district is also lagging behind in terms of development. The people of Doti are suffering further due to the lack of easy access to road networks. Local products have not been able to find proper markets. Therefore, concerned bodies should not be negligent,” he said.

Receiving the memorandum, Chief of the Infrastructure Development Office, Dadeldhura, Nawaraj Rawal, said the office is serious about the road construction. He informed that the financial progress of the project has reached 44 percent, while physical progress is around 50 percent.

Rawal admitted that although the construction company has been instructed to complete the work according to the schedule, the expected progress has not been achieved due to the company’s negligence. He said the work has now been moved forward by imposing fines.