Locals demand widening of Postal Highway under construction in Banke

Nepalgunj, May 5: Locals in Khajura of Banke district have urged the Postal Highway Directorate Planning Office to widen the ongoing construction of the Postal Highway, saying the current design does not meet growing urban needs.

A delegation of residents submitted a memorandum to the office, arguing that the under-construction 1,800-metre road planned under a four-lane standard is insufficient for the expanding town area and increasing traffic flow.

They said the existing design poses safety risks, particularly for accidents, and stressed the need for timely widening. As per the current plan, the road is proposed to be widened by one metre on both sides.

Resident Sharan Karmacharya said the road construction, which remained stalled for nearly nine years after the termination of an earlier contract, has resumed, but concerns remain over its narrow design.

Office Chief Lila Bahadur Bhandari said the office is positive towards the demands raised by locals and will consider the request.

Earlier, the Road Division Office Nepalgunj had signed a contract with Gajurmukhi Construction Company Pvt. Ltd., Ilam, on April 12, 2018, for the construction of the 1,800-metre Khajura Bazaar road in Banke and a 2,200-metre road in Gulariya, Bardiya. The project cost is estimated at Rs 214.9 million.

However, the project has faced long delays due to legal complications since the signing of the contract.