Development projects affected by petroleum price hike

Mahendranagar, April 14

In the wake of a petroleum price hike, activities related to major development projects have been disrupted. The increase in fuel prices has delayed the supply of essential construction materials, affecting project progress in Sudurpaschim Province.

Construction entrepreneurs said they are facing difficulties managing fuel for transporting materials. Although existing stock is meeting current needs, efforts to speed up construction have been severely hindered.

The road construction project from Tikapur to Taklakot via Lode–Chainpur is on the verge of coming to a halt, according to project chief Ram Kumar Dev. “Heavy equipment used for track opening has been grounded due to a shortage of fuel,” he said.

The 200-km project was launched in 2074 BS. Of the total stretch, track opening for 35 km remains incomplete, while only 10 km has been blacktopped so far.

Contractors have started approaching authorities, stating they are unable to continue work due to rising petroleum prices.

Another key project in the province, the third phase of the Mahakali Irrigation Project, has also been adversely affected. The project is being implemented in seven packages for the construction of irrigation canals.

Information officer Yadav Baral said the project is facing serious challenges in maintaining progress. Although contracts have been signed for embankment work, a sudden increase in the price of gabion wires has stalled construction. “If river embankment works are not completed on time, it could lead to severe consequences during the rainy season,” he warned.

He added that the concerned authorities have been informed about the impact of the fuel price hike.

Several other projects have also been affected. Under the Mahakali Corridor project, contracts were awarded for 13 sections, but work has been halted in most areas as labourers stopped work citing the current difficulties. At present, only the Tikar section remains under construction.

Information officer Dinesh Raikhola of the Mahakali Corridor road project (Brahmadev to Tinkar via Jhulaghat–Darchula) said sharp increases in fuel and bitumen prices have created major obstacles. The corridor spans 425 km.

Contractors have urged the government to adjust the prices of construction materials in line with rising fuel costs.

Chairman of the Contractors’ Association in Kanchanpur, Pushpa Raj Awasthi, said contractors have also demanded that the government declare an emergency in the construction sector.

More than 600 construction workers affiliated with the association in Kanchanpur have called for a construction holiday, citing shortages of materials and the impact of rising fuel prices, he added.

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