Kathmandu: The government is preparing to terminate the contract agreements of 234 roads and bridges that have remained in limbo for years. The contract agreements, which involve various sick projects managed by the Road Division Office, Postal Highway, and Mid Hill Highway under the Federal Road Supervision and Monitoring Office of the Department of Roads, are set to be revoked.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Physical Infrastructure and Transport; and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, held discussions with officials and stakeholders regarding this issue. It is reported that 38 projects under the Federal Road Supervision and Monitoring Office in Damak are in chronic status. Additionally, 75 projects from Kathmandu, 39 from Pokhara, 49 from Surkhet, 16 from the Postal Highway, and 17 projects from the Mid Hill Highway face similar challenges.
A committee will be formed to probe both former and current officials responsible for these projects, investigating their alleged involvement in the stagnation due to their failure to fulfill responsibilities. During the discussions, Minister Ghising emphasized that terminating the contract agreements of these stalled projects is the only viable option.
Key government figures, including secretaries, joint secretaries, the Director General of the Department of Roads, project chiefs, and other responsible officials, attended the meeting. Minister Ghising directed these officials to take immediate action against those involved in irregularities, delays, bribery, and other misconducts.