China's influence in Nepal is growing, but not without controversy. Chinese diplomats in Nepal are employing "Wolf Warrior" diplomacy tactics, aggressively pursuing their interests. Supported by these ruthless diplomats, Chinese construction contractors have become a significant headache for Nepal's development. The so-called "Chinese debt trap" has already posed financial challenges for the nation, but now Chinese contractors are causing even greater problems.

The Rampant Issue of Uncontrolled Chinese Contractors

The situation with Chinese contractors in Nepal can be compared to a 'rampaging elephant.' These contractors operate with little regard for regulations, and neither laws nor government bodies seem capable of controlling them. They consistently fail to complete projects on time and disregard safety standards, resulting in increased pollution and safety risks. Since the beginning of their involvement, numerous accidents and landslides have occurred, raising concerns about the environmental and societal impact of their operations.

Muglin-Pokhara Highway: A Road Blocked by Delays

The 80.33-kilometer Muglin-Pokhara road expansion project, which is set to expire in the coming months, remains only half-complete. According to Chudaraj Dhakal, Director of the Road Department's Project Directorate (ADB), the project's physical progress is just 45.42% as of the fiscal year 2080/81.

The project is divided into two sections: the 41.45-kilometer stretch from Aabukhaireni to Jamune is managed by China Communications Construction Company, while the 38.88-kilometer section from Jamune to Pokhara Prithvichowk is being handled by Anhui Kaiyuan Highway and Bridge Company. Both sections are guaranteed not to be completed on time.

The eastern section began in April 2077, and the western section started in September 2078. Delays have been attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues. Additionally, the inability to promptly remove electric poles, trees, and houses along the road further hindered progress. The project aims to widen the road to 21-45 meters depending on geography, with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Contractual Challenges and Progress Reports

The Anhui Kaiyuan Highway and Bridge Company secured the highway expansion contract for NPR 7.4 billion, with a 42-month completion timeframe. The contract for the 41-kilometer eastern section from Muglin to Jamune was signed with China Communications Construction for NPR 6.21 billion in January 2077. The project faced numerous site clearance issues, including the demolition of buildings in the main market of Dumla, which only began a year ago.

According to the latest statistics from the Road Department's Project Directorate (ADB), work has been completed on 32.32 kilometers of the road, with four lanes asphalted. A total of 80.33 kilometers is required, and 20.89 kilometers of two-lane asphalt have been completed. The project shows some progress in fiscal year 2080/81, with most asphalting done during this period.

Physical Progress of Construction Work

The project includes constructing culverts at 288 locations, with 229 completed by the previous fiscal year. Out of 29 required bridges, 24 have been built. The target for side drains is 100.85 kilometers, with 49.91 kilometers completed last fiscal year. As of the end of the fiscal year, the project's physical progress reached 45.42%, with a 25.61% progress rate last fiscal year alone.

Significant Budget Allocation for the Current Fiscal Year

The project is set to receive a boost in the current fiscal year, with the government allocating a substantial budget to ensure progress.

For the current fiscal year, NPR 9.57 billion has been allocated for asphalting the Aabukhaireni-Pokhara section and expanding the Muglin-Aabukhaireni section.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport received a total budget of NPR 150 billion this year, with the road project receiving around 6.5% of that allocation.