After over four years of construction delays, the much-awaited overpass in Gwarko, Lalitpur has finally been inaugurated. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli officially opened the overpass today, and vehicles will now be allowed to use the route.
Initially awarded to the contractor in Falgun 2078, the project was supposed to be completed within two years. However, several extensions were granted due to delays, and the work was only completed after nearly five years. The initial estimated cost of NPR 17 crore ballooned to over NPR 31 crore by the time it was completed.
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport confirmed that penalties amounting to NPR 1.47 crore were imposed on the contractor for the repeated delays. The project was developed under the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) model, where the contractor was responsible for both the design and construction.
The overpass spans 20 meters with four lanes and includes an additional 500-meter approach road. Ramps from Balkumari and Satdobato connect to the structure. The road under the overpass will allow vehicles going to Mangalbazar and Imadol to pass smoothly, reducing traffic congestion in the area.
Final touches, including blacktopping, lane separators, and line markings, were completed just before the inauguration. Authorities expect this new infrastructure to significantly ease traffic flow along the busy Ring Road corridor.
