Ministers Ghising tells contractors to complete projects on time

BY AMAR RAJ NAHARKI,Tanahun, Dec. 15: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kul Man Ghising has intensified pressure on contractors and officials to ensure timely completion of major road and bridge projects under the Mugling-Pokhara Road Expansion Project, stressing that delays in infrastructure development are unacceptable.

During a field inspection from Pokhara to Mugling on Sunday, Minister Ghising instructed contractors to accelerate construction works and complete the project within the stipulated timeframe so that passengers and residents can directly benefit. Reviewing the western section of the project, he assured full ministerial support to resolve on-site problems. 

According to the project office, physical progress in the western section stands at 60 per cent, with financial progress at 48 per cent. The Jamune-Pokhara stretch has achieved around 60 per cent completion, with first-layer asphalt paving completed on 37.4 kilometres of the 48.88-kilometre section. Significant progress has also been reported in the eastern section (Anbukhaireni-Jamune). 

Information Officer Engineer Bishnu Prasad Pandey said nearly 88 per cent of the work has been completed, with asphalt paving already finished and remaining works advancing rapidly. In the western section, 11 of the 12 bridges have been completed, while construction of one bridge over the Seti River is ongoing. Of the 66 targeted culverts, 65 have been completed, along with 45.2 kilometres of drains. The Rs 7.40 billion western section contract, signed in May 2021, is targeted for completion by mid-January.

Minister Ghising also inspected the under-construction four-lane arch-design bridge over the Madi River in Damauli, Tanahun. 

Built under the same road expansion project along the Prithvi Highway, the 315-metre-long bridge has achieved about 74 per cent physical progress and is targeted for completion within the current fiscal year. Engineer Pandey said that this is Nepal’s first four-lane bridge with an arch design, adding both engineering and tourism value to Gandaki Province.

Meanwhile, Minister Ghising took a firm stance on the long-delayed motorable bridge over the Trishuli River, connecting Tanahun and Chitwan. Stalled for 11 years, the project has completed only about 50 per cent of its work. During a site inspection, the minister warned that if construction did not resume within one month, the contractor’s agreement would be terminated. He directed concerned authorities to immediately clear procedural hurdles and approve revised designs.