JHAPA, May 17: The Kakadbhitta-Laukahi Road Project Office (Eastern Section) in Damak has instructed the contractor to complete the diversion work on the eastern section of the East-West Highway, currently under construction as part of the Asian Highway, before the monsoon begins.
The government is upgrading the Asian Highway with an investment of Rs 10 billion, supported by the Asian Development Bank. Project Chief Engineer Sunil Babu Pant said the office sent a formal letter today, urging the construction company to expedite the diversion work without further delay.
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He warned that floods during the monsoon could wash away the temporary diversions built during road construction, potentially disrupting traffic. "The diversion points are full of potholes and uneven surfaces, which could lead to disasters and accidents in the rainy season," he said. "We've been urging the contractor to finish the construction of small bridges and culverts quickly so that we can resume traffic on the main highway."
Pant added that the office is working to ensure vehicles can use the main highway even during the monsoon, and it has been actively monitoring the construction progress. So far, the contractor has completed only 19 percent of the road construction and 17 percent of the bridge and culvert work. Despite multiple reminders, the company has made unsatisfactory progress, he said.
Locals have also raised concerns about delays in construction and the risk of transport disruptions during the rainy season.
Pant said the office has prepared a rapid response team to address any problems that may arise in the highway area during monsoon. He also confirmed that road work will continue throughout the rainy season.
