KATHMANDU: An agreement has been signed to extend the deadline for the construction of much-awaited Melamchi Drinking Water Project, as it is unlikely to be completed as per the schedule.

The agreement signed with an Italian contractor, CMC, has extended deadline for the completion the tunnel construction to mid-October 2016.

Project's Executive Director Ghanashyam Bhattarai shared that the tunnel construction saw disruption for 11 months following the unofficial border-based blockade imposed by India before the resumption of work that was put off due to 25 April devastating earthquake.

The tunnel construction work that was stagnated after earthquake and blockade partially resumed since February fourth week and the groundwork has been initiated to speed up the works in a full-fledged capacity.

"Daily 30 metres of tunnel is being dug out after normalcy. So far 14-km has been constructed while 12.5-km is yet to be finished. Preparation is underway to extend the deadline for completing the tunnel construction works", Bhattarai added.