Kathmandu, April 12: Home Minister Sudan Gurung has warned of strict action against contractors responsible for delays or substandard work in the Nagdhunga–Mugling road improvement project, a key national pride project.
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During an on-site inspection, Gurung reviewed progress on the Naubise–Malekhu and Malekhu–Mugling sections and directed officials and contractors to complete the work within the stipulated deadline while maintaining high quality standards.
According to a report submitted to the minister, a shortage of construction materials has emerged as the main obstacle. The project has faced delays largely due to legal and administrative complications in extracting river-based and quarry materials.
The report highlights several issues, including obstruction by local governments in extracting river materials such as stones, gravel, and sand, disruption in supply following the closure of crusher industries in the past, and a lack of uniformity in revenue rates. It also points to double taxation imposed by different local levels and administrative hassles in transporting materials across jurisdictions.
Delays in environmental impact assessments and approval processes for quarry extraction have further slowed progress, the report states.
The project has urged the government to ensure adequate supply of construction materials from areas such as Belkhu Bagar, Ghatbesi Bagar, and Malekhu–Lam Bagar, and to facilitate smoother transportation.
Gurung assured that the government would address these challenges through inter-ministerial coordination. He also pledged to remove political interference and administrative hurdles to accelerate development work.
