Kathmandu: The Bhaktapur-Nagarkot road construction, now spanning over a decade, remains incomplete, causing hardships for the locals. Potholes are ubiquitous, and the blacktopping work has halted between the Kharipati barracks of the Nepal Army and the Changunarayan Municipality office, raising concerns about safety and landslides.

The road's condition worsens during the monsoon, turning muddy, and during dry spells, it becomes dusty, affecting residents along its route. Poorly managed drainage leads to flooding in houses alongside the road, even resulting in a fatality in the Bastola settlement during construction.

Initially launched in June 2014 with a two-year completion target, the project has faced nine deadline extensions. The most recent deadline, set on July 19, 2023, aims for completion by January 14, 2024. Sumita Dhukuchhu, a sub-engineer assigned to assess road quality, noted that around 500 meters of road construction remain unfinished. The construction company has committed to repairing the damaged road and completing the project within two months.

Shailung Construction and Indian Aravali Infrapower Limited jointly won the contract for the project, originally valued at Rs 270 million, funded by the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank). However, due to various factors, the project cost has escalated to Rs 310 million, including VAT.

Around five months ago, the Road Improvement and Development Project Directorate, under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, issued a notice threatening to cancel the contract if the 15.6 km road was not completed within the given deadline. During a monitoring session on March 2, 2023, then Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, along with India's Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, warned of contract cancellation if the project was not finished by April 13, 2023.

Multiple monitoring initiatives have criticized the project's poor construction quality. A team led by Chief District Officer Khagendra Prasad Rijal, including political representatives, concluded that the road quality was subpar. Similarly, in November 2021, then Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Renu Kumari Yadav, and earlier, in July 2019, the Development and Technology Committee, urged the contractor to expedite blacktopping for Visit Nepal 2020.

Despite numerous inspections and warnings by government officials, including ministers and mayors, progress remains elusive. The local community and political leaders demand accountability and timely completion. Recent discussions have emphasized cooperation between local governments, stakeholders, and the construction company. The project manager, Anup Adhikari, confirmed that the deadline extension adhered to procurement regulations and assured completion within two months after necessary arrangements, such as relocating electricity poles, were completed.