Long-stalled road contracts in Kanchanpur set for termination

Dodhara Chandani (Kanchanpur): The process of terminating contracts for several road projects in Kanchanpur, which have been stalled for years, has officially begun.

The Infrastructure Development Office and the Division Road Office in Mahendranagar have initiated the termination process for road projects that have shown little progress despite repeated verbal and written requests. A 15-day public notice has been issued to commence the procedure.

Laxman Raj Joshi, Information Officer of the Infrastructure Development Office, Kanchanpur, stated that the contracts are being terminated in accordance with the Public Procurement Act 2063 BS, the Public Procurement Regulations 2064 BS, and other prevailing laws. “We have started the process of terminating contracts for 25 road projects that have remained stalled for five to seven years despite repeated requests,” he said.

According to the office, progress in most road projects initiated in the fiscal year 2076-77 remains low, prompting complaints from local residents over the delays by construction entrepreneurs.

Similarly, Hari Prasad Joshi, Information Officer at the Road Division Office, Mahendranagar, confirmed that contracts for projects initiated in 2078-79 but not completed as per agreements are also being terminated. Notably, work on upgrading the Khutia Pul-Urma-Bhada road in Kailali, part of the Attariya-Gaddachauki section of the East-West Highway, has stalled. The termination process was initiated after repeated requests to the construction company failed to yield progress.

Most of the stalled projects are rural roads, and their non-completion has caused significant hardships for local residents in their daily commute.