Narayanghat–Butwal Road Improvement Project Granted Fourth Deadline Extension

The government has extended the deadline for the Narayanghat–Butwal road improvement—part of the East-West Highway and a national pride project—for the fourth time by one year.

Only 70 percent of the work has been completed so far with the third deadline extension ending on 16 August.  The new deadline is set for 23 August, 2026.

Of the total 114-kilometre stretch, the eastern section (Gaindakot–Daunne) is 65 kilometres long and estimated to cost Rs 9.13 billion, while the 49-km western section (Daunne–Butwal) requiring Rs 7.86 billion, bringing the total project cost to Rs 16.99 billion--funded by an Asian Development Bank's loan.

Engineer Shiva Khanal, Information Officer of the Eastern Section of the project, claimed this would be the final extension. “Blacktopping has been completed in the eastern section, except for Daunne stretch,” said Khanal. “Workers are currently focused on paving the Daunne section and completing two remaining bridges.”

The 65 kilometres four-lane road in the eastern section, a median divider, and 17.5 kilometres of service lanes are expected to be completed by the end of the extended deadline, he added.

But, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd., the project’s contractor, said completing all the tasks within the new deadline would be difficult.

Rakesh Jha, Deputy Contractor Manager, said they had requested an 18-month extension but the government only granted one year. “Completing all work within this timeframe will be challenging,” said Jha. “We will try to meet the deadline, but some finishing tasks like sidewalks and beautification may remain incomplete.”

Govt Backtracks its Decision to Build Alternative to Mugling-Narayanghat Road due to Lack of Budget

He added: “Two of the six slabs for the Giruwari bridge have been completed, with four still under construction. Of the 22 culverts planned for Daunne, three remain. Work is also pending on 6-metre-wide, 17.4-kilometre service lanes on both sides of the road.”

Additionally, gabion wall construction and soil filling along the riverbank have been completed. But, the 100-metre road connecting to the Narayani River bridge in Gaindakot is yet to be blacktopped. 

Around 300 workers have been mobilised at the site. Should the project miss the new deadline, the contractor said it would seek an additional six-month extension. “We will then be in a position to hand over the entire road to the government,” Jha said.

Daunne Section of Butwal–Narayanghat Road Blocked 63 Times in a Year

The company signed an agreement with the Government of Nepal seven years ago to complete the expansion within 42 months. Construction began in February 2019, with the initial deadline of mid-August 2022.

One of the busiest stretches of the East-West Highway, this road is a key route connecting western Nepal to the federal capital and other parts of the country.

(With inputs from RSS)