Tarring of road hits traffic flow

KATHMANDU: Maintenance work on the stretch of road between Chuchchepati and Dakshin Dhoka has been on for more than a month.

"This four-kilometre stretch is likely to be tarred by the end of this year," said Subodh Devkota, road engineer of Department of Roads.

However, abrupt vehicular disruption on this stretch is rampant and those using the road are a harried lot. Often the road is blocked anytime of the day without any prior notice.

The obstruction generally takes place in the afternoon. A resident of Boudha, Keshav Joshi, said, "We have halted vehicular movement to ensure that the construction work is carried out effectively in broad daylight." He added that construction work carried out at night doesn't guarantee quality.

The passengers, who have to reach their destination via Boudha, are the worst-hit. Sunita Pant of Gothatar says, "I have no option but to walk all the way till Jorpati to catch another vehicle to reach my destination."

The road officials have urged the road-users to understand that it was essential to block the road for a certain period to carry out the construction work. The road officials and locals fear that the monsoon season might spell havoc for the newly constructed roads.

Raj Kishor Gupta, contractor of Jyoti Nirman, wondered, "How can people expect that the road will be blacktopped without halting the traffic movement?" He added that people should focus on the larger picture, as eventually tarred road will benefit all.

A five crore-rupee budget has been allocated for the completion of the road. Subodh Devkota, Road Engineer said, "Blocking the traffic movement for the time being will ensure long-term road use."