Chinese Contractor Blamed for Delays in Daunne Road Expansion

The ongoing road expansion along the Narayangadh-Butwal section, particularly through the Daunne stretch, has turned into a nightmare for commuters due to severe delays caused by the Chinese contractor, China State Construction Engineering. Despite years of work and multiple deadline extensions, the road remains in a perilous state, making travel both exhausting and dangerous.

The Daunne section has been left in disarray, with demolished roads, deep dust clouds, and temporary diversions creating a hazardous journey for travelers. While other areas of the project have progressed at a faster pace, Daunne continues to be neglected, forcing drivers and passengers to endure treacherous conditions.

Jeevan Dhakal, a passenger, described the situation as unbearable. “The road from Dumkibas to Bardaghat via Daunne is extremely risky. With thick dust and smoke, visibility is poor, and accidents are common. It took me four hours to cross this stretch,” he said.

Drivers have also raised concerns over worsening conditions. Basanta Khanal, who frequently drives along the route, said, “A 14-kilometer drive here now takes two to three hours. With no alternative roads, we are forced to take this dangerous route. Most long-haul vehicles pass through here at night, making the situation even more terrifying.”

Local police officials have echoed these concerns. Sub-inspector Laxman Tangami from the Area Police Office, Dumkibas, stated, “The Daunne section is already a high-risk zone for accidents. Now, with construction delays, the number of road mishaps has increased significantly.”

Despite repeated complaints, progress on the eastern section of the road remains slow. Engineer Shiva Khanal, the information officer of the Narayangadh-Butwal Road Project, revealed that only 57.7% of the work has been completed so far. While 47 kilometers have been blacktopped, critical construction, including culverts and bridges, is still unfinished.

Meanwhile, Rakesh Jha, co-manager of China State Construction Engineering, attempted to justify the delay, claiming that the rocky terrain of Daunne has made the expansion particularly challenging. “We currently have over 650 workers mobilized for the project, and work is ongoing to minimize traffic obstruction,” he stated. However, these assurances provide little comfort to those suffering daily on the deteriorating road.

The project, originally budgeted at Rs 17 billion, has already faced three deadline extensions due to the contractor’s failure to complete work on time. The latest deadline, now set for July 24, 2025, raises concerns about whether further delays will prolong commuters’ misery.