KATHMANDU, Nov 25: Students studying at Kathmandu University in Dhulikhel, Kavre, have reported that delays in road construction and expansion have led to increased noise pollution, declining aesthetics, rising road accidents, risks for pedestrians, difficulties for cyclists, and growing mental health concerns.
The students conducted a field study on the problems arising due to the delayed expansion of the Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel road section. They have submitted the report to the university administration.
One student involved in preparing the report said, “We studied the delays in the Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel section, but the issue is not limited to this stretch alone. This reflects the condition of roads across the entire country. It represents the situation of most road construction and expansion projects nationwide.”
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Except for a few roads, almost no road construction or expansion projects in the country have been completed on time. The Narayanghat–Butwal section has remained unfinished for six years. Similar issues persist at other areas. The Nagdhunga–Muglin, Loukahi–Kakarbhitta, and Kamala–Kanchanpur road expansion projects, among others, are all suffering from severe delays. The students’ report outlines the problems caused by delayed road construction and expansion in a point-wise manner.
According to the report, delays in road expansion have caused noise levels to exceed permissible limits, especially near active construction zones. Continuous noise from machinery and vehicles has increased stress, disturbed sleep, and reduced quality of life, locals reported. Prolonged delays have also affected the mental health of residents.
Local business owners expressed frustration and concern, saying that obstructed traffic and reduced customer flow have caused financial losses. The report also found that road accidents increased by 15 to 20 percent during extended construction delays. Data from local police stations show a 35 percent rise in accidents over the past three years along the Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel stretch. Uneven road surfaces, lack of signage, poor lighting, damaged road conditions, and negligent driving are among the main causes.
Delays have also made pedestrians and cyclists more vulnerable to accidents. Incomplete sidewalks and a lack of pedestrian crossings have created significant risks. Students found frequent cases of accidents and injuries, particularly involving schoolchildren and the elderly. Emergency response has also been slowed. Locals complained that incomplete roads obstruct ambulances and fire trucks, causing delays during emergencies.
Likewise, the slow pace of construction has damaged the visual appeal of the area. Piles of construction debris, unfinished structures, and poorly maintained road edges have degraded the region’s natural beauty. This decline in aesthetics has also affected cultural heritage.
Many culturally important sites—such as temples and traditional settlements—along the road corridor have been overshadowed by chaotic construction zones. According to local leaders, the loss of aesthetic value threatens cultural identity and diminishes tourism prospects. The report states that businesses dependent on tourism have experienced a 25 percent drop in revenue due to delays in road construction and expansion.
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