KATHMANDU: The reconstruction of historical Rani Pokhari -- damaged more than three years ago by the earthquake of April 2015 -- is expected to be delayed further.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the authorised body to undertake Rani Pokhari's reconstruction, for the second time had called for bidding. But both companies that applied for the contract failed to meet required criteria for the project, thus causing further delay, said KMC Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya.

“Documentation submitted by both the companies is not sufficient to meet the criteria for the project. So another bidding is required which will take time time,” said Shakya.

Earlier, reconstruction of Rani Pokhari had halted after the Department of Archaeology had claimed that the construction taking place was against the blueprint approved by it. The DoA had written to KMC asking it to remove the food stall, pavilion and pump house from the blueprint.

The locals and conservationists also protested against use of concrete and modern materials in the reconstruction.