Chitwan, February 2

A feasibility study has been initiated to install cantilever structures at certain points on the Narayangadh-Muglin road section.

According to project engineer Shiva Khanal, experts have been invited from India to carry out the study.

“We decided to consider the alternative of installing cantilever structures on the road section because widening the road through rocky cliffs at areas near Muglin is really difficult and time-consuming,” he said.

“We’re using all kinds of equipment to widen the road through a rocky hill near Muglin, which is about 600 metres long and up to 56 metres tall, but progress is very slow; at this pace, it might take us more than 18 months to complete the project,” Khanal informed.  The installation of cantilevers will reportedly make 70 to 80 per cent of the work of cutting through the rocky hill unnecessary.

“If deemed feasible, we could simply prepare thick, strong slabs of the desired size elsewhere and put it in place on the designated places with the help of cranes to allow passage for vehicles,” Khanal said.

Only 36 per cent of the construction work of the project has been finished so far.

Originally estimated to complete by April/May this year, the project’s contract period was extended to August/September factoring in on the earthquake and border blockade.

The contractor companies, however, are said to be seeking three-and-half months more  extension to finish the work.