Lalitpur, June 16, 2025: The long-anticipated overpass at Gwarko Chowk in Lalitpur has entered its final phase of construction. Following the completion of the main structure, workers are now accelerating efforts on asphalt paving and painting, aiming to finish the project soon.
The project, which began on February 24, 2022, was initially slated for completion within two years. However, delays have plagued the project, prompting the Department of Roads to extend the initial deadline by nearly a year to December 23, 2024. When the revised deadline was also missed, the department imposed a daily penalty of NPR 85,000 (0.05% of the project cost) on the construction company starting December 25, 2024, as per contractual provisions.
Despite these measures, the project remains incomplete, with a 200-day penalty window currently active. The Department of Roads has issued a stern warning, indicating that the contract will be terminated if the overpass is not completed within this period.
The overpass, which has an estimated cost of NPR 170.68 million, is expected to transform traffic management at Gwarko Chowk. Once operational, vehicles traveling along the Kalanki–Koteshwor corridor will utilize the overpass, while those heading towards Gwarko–Lamatar and Gwarko–Patan will pass underneath.
The new infrastructure is anticipated to ease the notorious traffic congestion in the area, offering significant relief to daily commuters. However, the repeated delays have drawn criticism from the public, who have endured prolonged inconvenience due to the incomplete project.
As the completion date nears, all eyes remain on whether the contractor will meet the final deadline, ensuring the project's timely delivery and fulfilling its promise to enhance traffic flow in Lalitpur.
