Kathmandu: The Chinese State Construction Corporation, which was awarded the tender for the construction of the Butwal-Narayanghat road project, has requested to extend the project’s deadline by two years. The company was handed over the project almost three years and four months ago. At the time, the project was estimated to be completed in 42 months after the start of the construction. However, the road development project has only seen the completion of just 15 percent of the work so far.

The upgradation of the 113 km roadway started on March 22, 2019. As per the agreement, the road was supposed to be completed within August 7, 2022. Although looking at the current work progress, it is clear that the project will not be finished on time.

According to the Department of Roads, the road upgradation project has seen just 15 percent of progress. With four months left before the deadline, the project still has 85 percent of work to be done. The contractor company has not requested the government to extend the deadline for the completion of the project. The company had submitted an application requesting the government to extend the deadline a month ago.

At present, work is being done by dividing the road into two sections. The eastern section covers 64.425 kilometers while the western section has 48.535 kilometers. Ramesh Drishti, planning chief of the eastern section, said that the contractor company had requested for an extension of the deadline by two years.

The eastern section of the roadway has seen a work progress of just 14 percent. So far, a total of Rs 890 million has been spent on the project. The cost is expected to reach Rs 650 million this year.