KATHMANDU, Aug 13: The Department of Roads (DoR) achieved 58 percent progress in the fiscal year 2078/79, followed by 70 percent progress in the fiscal year 2079/80. Sushil Babu Dhakal, director general of the DoR, said that although the progress rate increased last year compared to the previous year, it fell short of expectations.

He said that due to challenges in budget management in the last quarter, the progress of the work was not as expected.  “The department was expecting 80 percent progress but could not meet the target," said Dhakal.

Director General Dhakal said that due to more resources required for projects undertaken with foreign aid, such projects are lagging behind in terms of work progress compared to other projects. 

"Progress is measured based on the allocation of funds within a year by the government," he said, "Foreign assistance and domestically generated resources from Nepal are the two sources of allocation. Accordingly, progress also varies."

Dhakal said that road projects of national pride achieved more progress last year compared to the previous year. Dhakal informed Republica that there has been 42 percent physical progress in Koshi corridor, 43 percent in Kali Gandaki corridor and 24 percent in Karnali corridor projects. According to him, there was 72 percent progress in Pushpalal (Mid Hill) Highway and 91 percent progress in Postal Highway.

Director General Dhakal stated that the Covid-19 pandemic impacted work progress for nearly three fiscal years, adding that the work progress was satisfactory last year compared to the previous years. The DoR has been constructing and repairing major roads and bridges that fall under those roads.

 
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