Electric Poles Delay Naubise–Malekhu Road Upgrade

Electric poles have become a major hurdle in the upgradation of the Naubise–Malekhu road section, delaying blacktopping work. Although the contract was signed on April 27, 2022, the 43.54-kilometer project, funded by a World Bank loan and considered a national “lifeline” has failed to progress as targeted due to delays in relocating poles.

Project Chief Keshav Ojha said the required budget for shifting the poles was deposited into the Nepal Electricity Authority’s account one and a half years ago. However, ineffective implementation by the contractor hired for the task has slowed the process. More than 200 poles, especially in Dharke Bazaar and Banchetar areas, still need to be relocated.

Due to the delay, some sections have been blacktopped with electric poles left in the middle of the road, raising safety concerns. The project, estimated at Rs 5.33 billion, was supposed to be completed within three years, but ongoing pole-related issues and the upcoming House of Representatives election are expected to further affect progress.