Kathmandu, August 9

A team led by Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth today inspected the Jorpati- Sankhu road stretch.

Although the expansion the Jorpati-Sankhu stretch began two years ago, it has yet to be completed. The poor condition of the road has created difficulties for vehicles as well as pedestrians. When it rains, the road becomes muddy and slippery, and potholes filled with rainwater increase the risks of accidents.

The team also included senior leader of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Madhav Kumar Nepal, Province 3 assembly member Rameshwor Phuyal, officials of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and representatives of the contractor company.

Locals who had gathered there during the government team’s inspection visit asked them if the road was only being temporarily black-topped for the BIMSTEC Summit.   Minister Mahaseth said the road was not being temporarily black-topped as rumoured. “We may not be able to black-top the road before the summit, but I assure you that it there won’t be any pits and potholes until it is black-topped. Expansion of the stretch will be competed in the next six months.”

The minister said the road expansion project was delayed as construction work was halted by the Supreme Court. “However, the SC has delivered its verdict and now we are free to resume the project in compliance with the law.” The SC on June 28 had upheld that the government could acquire individuals’ land for public use, but it must duly compensate the affected parties.

NCP (NCP) senior leader Nepal said coordination among all stakeholders, including Department of Roads, Nepal Electricity Authority and Nepal Telecommunications Authority was crucial for the project to be completed on time. The project contractor promised to fill the pits within 15 days.