The construction of the Butwal-Narayangadh road in western Nepal, often referred to as the “lifeline road,” is progressing rapidly, and locals are excited about the development. The project, which had been delayed due to several issues, including the Covid-19 pandemic, is now in its third phase of construction. However, it is unlikely that the road will be completed in this phase either. Despite this, the ongoing work suggests that significant progress will be made on schedule.
The construction is divided into two sections: Butwal-Daune (west section) and Daune-Narayangadh (east section). The total length of the road is 113km, with 48km in the west section and 65km in the east section. Engineer Bechankumar Bhandari, the information officer, reported that the Butwal-Daune section is 67 percent physically completed and 54 percent financially. “So far, 32 kilometers of one-way road and 50km of two-way road have been blacktopped,” said Bhandari. “If the pace continues, much work will be completed within the contract period, as the construction company is working day and night.” The total cost for completing this section is Rs 7.86bn.
Bhandari mentioned that the goal is to complete the blacktopping of the one-way road in the Daunne area by the third deadline extension. “The construction company has intensified its efforts due to public pressure and repeated media attention,” he said. “With continued support and interest, the plan will be easier to complete.” The contractor has been accelerating work for the past six months. Meanwhile, in the 65-kilometer stretch from Daunne to Narayangadh, only 51km of one-way road have been blacktopped so far. Project Chief and Senior Divisional Engineer Anuksha Ghimire added, “Our section includes four kilometers of the Daunne area.” Ghimire also noted that work in this section has temporarily halted due to transportation restrictions. She indicated that the deadline might need to be extended again for the fourth time.
An agreement has been signed with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC-China) to oversee the construction of both sections. The Roads Department is managing the project with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The deadline has been extended for a third time, now set for July 21, 2025. The road is being constructed as a four-lane road in the forest area and a six-lane road in the market areas.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a detailed meeting with key officials, including the District Coordination Committee Chief, local leaders, and several ministers. During the meeting, Oli warned that the contractor would face termination if work did not resume by November, as reported by Bhagauti Yadav Rudal, the head of the District Coordination Committee of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West). Rudal emphasized that the contractor companies must avoid holding up projects for years after taking responsibility. He reflected that the pace of the Butwal-Narayangadh road construction had fallen short of expectations, leaving residents enduring dust and disruptions for an extended period. “The prime minister pointed out that economic development activities have been negatively impacted.”
According to the Project Directorate, the Daunne section of the road will be temporarily blocked starting Wednesday. A notice has been issued stating that the road will be closed from 11 am to 3 pm until April 13. Additionally, from April 15-28, the road will be completely closed from 11 pm to 5 am. During this closure, buses, minibuses, microbuses, and small vehicles heading toward Butwal will be halted at the Hongsi Cement Gate in Dumkibas Bazaar. Vehicles heading toward Narayangadh will be stopped at the Chisapani Bardaghat section. Similarly, heavy vehicles like trucks, lorries, trailers, tippers, and tankers heading toward Butwal will be diverted to the Chormara Arunkhola Bazar section, while those traveling toward Narayangadh will be halted at the Jyamire Hakui section.
The most challenging part of the project lies in the Daunne area, where the road is still in disrepair. The dust and mud make it difficult for pedestrians to navigate. Over the years, many transport entrepreneurs have incurred substantial losses due to vehicle damage. Despite repeated appeals, the construction progress remained slow until local representatives submitted a memorandum to the prime minister. Since then, construction has gained momentum, and there is now pressure to ensure that the Daunne section is usable for vehicles before the upcoming rainy season.
