A thread of hope arises in regard to the extension of the Narayangadh-Butwal road section after the government warned of breaking the contract with the contractor company if fails to complete the project timely.

Chief District Officer of Nawalparasi (East) Arun Pokharel, said that the contractor company China State Construction Engineering Corporation has started work according to the first target given by the government after the warning of breaking the contract.

The government has given the target to the Chinese company to blacktop 70 per cent of the road on one side by December 11, 2025, and the one-way road from Narayangadh-Butwal road section needs to be fully blacktopped on one side by the end of March 2026.

He said that according to the first condition, China State Construction Engineering Corporation has committed to complete at least 70 percent one-way work of the Narayangadh-Butwal road section by December 11, 2025. With this, the road extension which was hindered from March of this year has started.

Head of the road project's eastern section Anuja Ghimire said that although the work has commenced since early December, the progress has not been made as expected.

Ghimire said, "The work has started, and workers have also been increased, but is moving in a snail-pace. We want the company to accelerate the speed. Contractors are also positive about adding workers and tools since winter is a suitable season for working."

Although the contractor claimed to mobilize 300 workers daily, Ghimire said around 200 workers were deployed.

The project said that if they accelerate the speed by adding the tools and manpower, there will be no problem in accomplishing the first goal.

CDO Pokharel, said, great progress will be made even if at least one-way road expansion is done during the extended period. However, with the pace, nothing good can be expected from the contractor.

He said, "It is observed that the Chinese company is not putting enough effort but the work has started. It seems that at least one way black top can be completed by in line with their working style and strength."

Road to be closed for five hours for 15 days

The contractor has said that if the road can be cleared at least 15 days for five hours then the blacktop of the west section of Daune can be completed.

CDO Pokharel said the road will be widened by closing the road coinciding the time when traffic is less in coordination with the District Administration Office, Nawalparasi.