Wedoany.com Report on Mar 2nd, Nearly seven years after its initiation, the Narayanghat-Butwal road widening project remains incomplete, with the 14-kilometer Daun section posing persistent challenges due to complex geological conditions. Project officials stated that due to the fragile soil and risks of land subsidence in this section, the decision was ultimately made to use durable concrete instead of asphalt for road construction.

Chuda Raj Dhakal, the Asian Development Bank's project director, explained that the initial plan was to pave the Daun section with asphalt, but construction revealed soil conditions differing from expectations. "The difficulties encountered on the Daun section far exceeded expectations. The soil composition differed from earlier estimates, frequently seeping water and remaining damp. Heavy trucks braking frequently on slopes posed a high risk of asphalt pavement sinking and damage." After consulting with experts and considering advisor recommendations, the project team concluded that durable concrete pavement was more suitable for the local road construction needs.

Currently, 3 kilometers of the Daun section have been paved with asphalt, 6.5 kilometers of concrete pavement are complete, and another 4.5 kilometers are under construction. The construction team lays approximately 50 meters of concrete pavement daily. Although switching to durable concrete increased the total cost by about 510 million rupees, Dhakal believes it is more economical from a long-term maintenance perspective. "Cement is domestically produced, and stone, gravel, and sand are also locally sourced, supporting domestic production while ensuring the road's durability."

The entire project was originally scheduled for completion in 44 months but has been extended four times, with the latest deadline set for July 2026. The project office stated that the Daun section is expected to be completed by mid-June 2026. The project is funded by an Asian Development Bank loan, with a total cost of 16.99 billion rupees.