KATHMANDU: The construction of the Damak–Chisapani Road, also known as Falgunanda Marg, faces renewed uncertainty after the termination of contracts for two of its sections. Despite being a major electoral issue in Jhapa, Ilam, and Panchthar districts for the past three decades, the road project has suffered from repeated delays and insufficient progress. Locals have expressed frustration over the stalled work, particularly during the monsoon season when unfinished roads lead to significant inconveniences.
The project was initially awarded to contractors to widen and blacktop the road in three sections, with a total length of 33 kilometers. However, only about two kilometers of the road has been tarred, and overall progress remains around 50 percent. The first section of the road, covering seven kilometers from Damak’s Zero Point, has seen some progress with 60 percent of work completed, but further delays have occurred due to continuous rain and other issues.
Contracts for the second and third sections, totaling 26 kilometers, were awarded in March 2020 but have now been scrapped due to inadequate progress, 60 percent on the second section and 22 percent on the third. The Road Division Office in Damak will need to initiate a new process to continue construction, ensuring that necessary resources and preparations are in place for the project's advancement.
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