Delay in Postal Highway construction annoys locals

BY NAWARAJ KATTEL,Morang, June 28: The construction and expansion of a 44-kilometre section of the Postal Highway in Morang, considered the lifeline of Nepal’s southern plains, has suffered years of delays, adding to the woes of local residents. Despite being classified as a National Pride Project, the highway's sluggish progress has left communities frustrated and disillusioned.

A particularly problematic 6-kilometre stretch from Hatkhola in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-8 to Ramchowk in Katahari Rural Municipality turns into a muddy mess during the monsoon, and a dusty nightmare during the dry months. Although construction began in 2019, only 22 per cent of the work has been completed after five years.

Shrestha Construction Company Pvt. Ltd. has been responsible for the Hatkhola–Naya Bazaar segment since the contract was signed in October 2019. The initial agreement stipulated completion within two years. However, the company has repeatedly subcontracted the work, leading to inconsistent progress and constant changes in subcontractors, recently shifting from Bhupal Shrestha to Abhishek Giri.

“The contractor has failed to deliver,” said Devraj Chaudhary, Chairman of Katahari Rural Municipality. “And government offices have been too soft towards contractors, citing resource limitations. It’s the public who suffer as a result.”

Locals complain of hazardous conditions, as soil-filled shoulders pose risks for vehicles, while electric poles stand unremoved in the middle of the expanded road. Loose, low-hanging wires add to the danger. The responsibility of relocating these poles lies with the contractor, but no action has been taken for five years.

“Even though the relocation budget was secured during contract planning, the poles remain unmoved,” said Yubaraj Pokharel, Chief of the Postal Highway Directorate Office in Itahari. “The contractor has failed to meet the terms of the agreement, causing not only delays in construction but also issues in processing payments.”

According to the Directorate, the Nepal Electricity Authority recently submitted an estimate of Rs. 36.6 million for pole relocation, an increase of over Rs. 10 million from the original Rs. 25 million allocated at the time of contracting. The delay has thus not only created public inconvenience but also inflated project costs.

Despite such setbacks, some progress has been made. Of the total 44 kilometres to be built in Morang, the 12-kilometre section from Betauna (Dhanpalathan) to Naya Bazaar (Katahari) is reportedly in its final phase. Work has also been completed in Rangeli, Sunbarshi, and Ratuwamai municipalities. Additionally, the 3.5-kilometre stretch from Bargachhi to Kesaliya Khola in Biratnagar has been blacktopped.

However, the auxiliary 25-kilometre road from Pathari to Rangeli, meant to serve as a secondary route, has also seen little progress. Contracted to Kanchharam Construction in two separate packages in 2019, this section too has only reached 22 per cent completion.