Kathmandu, May 31

The Development and Technology Committee of the Legislature-Parliament today directed the government to complete the construction of the Mid-Hill Highway and Postal Highway as soon as possible and start renovating damaged and weak bridges along these highways at the earliest.

Expressing concerns over the failure of the government to expedite construction of these two national pride road projects, the committees’ meeting today also directed the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) to submit a report to the committee on the construction plan of these projects, including quarterly projection of construction target.

Similarly, the committee has also directed MoPIT to categorise damaged bridges along these highways and start reconstruction and renovation works of such bridges at the earliest. Moreover, the committee has also drawn the attention of MoPIT over its failure to start construction of a number of bridges along these road sections whose contractors have already been appointed.

As per the project agreement, the 1,792-kilometre Postal Highway will have 219 bridges. Of the total, construction of 80 bridges has already been completed, while 80 bridges are currently under construction. However, the government is yet to appoint contractors for the construction of 59 bridges along the Postal Highway.

Similarly, the Mid-Hill Highway will have 133 bridges in total, of which construction of 70 bridges has already been completed. While the construction of 27 bridges is underway, the government has appointed contractors for the construction of 18 bridges. However, the government is yet to appoint contractors for construction of 19 bridges.

On the occasion, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth, said that the government plans to complete construction and reconstruction of all bridges along the Mid-Hill Highway and Postal Highway within the next two years. He also informed the committee members that the government will be able to complete the construction of all national pride road projects within the next four years.

“However, it is crucial that other ministries coordinate properly with MoPIT and all these projects get the allocated budget on time so that they are completed on time,” added Mahaseth.