The construction of the railway line is being carried out by Kalika Raman JV with the assistance of the Indian government. The governments of Nepal and India have levied taxes and customs duty for the purchase of construction materials and equipment and their transportation.However, the construction materials and equipment that the contractors have imported from India under the duty-free and tax-free facilities are being used for Jamuni Irrigation project.
The irrigation site is located close to the Parbaha railway station in Dhanusha district. Kalika Raman JV is overseeing the construction of both the railway line and the irrigation projects.
Over 30 tons of iron rods and cements meant for the railway construction are now being used for the construction of the Jamuni Irrigation Project, an overseer involved in the construction told Republica on condition of anonymity.
"These iron rods are meant for the construction of bridge along the railway line. But I cannot reveal where and how they have been brought," he said.
Even the managing director of the construction company admitted that the materials meant for the railway line construction were being used for the irrigation project. But he was very quick to add that the materials were lent to the irrigation project and they will be reimbursed later.
Nagendra Jha, an engineer at the District Irrigation Office, who is responsible for overseeing the Jamuni Irrigation Project site, expressed his unawareness about the misuse.
Meanwhile, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Dhanusha, Dilip Kumar Chapagain, said that whoever misuses the construction materials under the pretext of borrowing will face action. "This is not a minor mistake, but a blunder. We'll look into the matter seriously," CDO Chapagain said.
It has been learnt that the misuse of construction materials is also one of the key reasons for the delay in accomplishment of the Janakpur-Jayanagar-Bardibas railway line construction project.
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