Workers at the "Chinese Railway-2" project in Lahan have halted construction since August 8, 2024, after going unpaid for three months. The ongoing issue of irregular wage payments has led to significant frustration among the laborers, ultimately resulting in a complete work stoppage that has disrupted the project's progress.

The laborers claim that the management has repeatedly delayed their wages, often paying only one month of salary after long periods of work without compensation. This inconsistency has put them in a difficult financial situation, leading to their decision to refuse further work until their salary issues are resolved.

Despite attempts by the management to recruit new workers to continue the project, the existing labor force has resisted these efforts, effectively preventing the new hires from working on the site. This resistance illustrates the depth of frustration and distrust that has developed between the workers and the project management.

Similar wage disputes have emerged in other Chinese-operated projects in Nepal, raising concerns about the treatment of Nepali workers. Issues such as delayed payments, violations of labor rights, and poor working conditions have become common complaints among laborers. These ongoing challenges could jeopardize the success of these projects and worsen the living conditions of the affected workers.

Experts suggest that the government and relevant authorities must take concrete steps to address these issues. Ensuring timely wage payments and improving working conditions are critical for protecting workers' rights and ensuring the successful completion of infrastructure projects in Nepal. Without these measures, such conflicts could continue to escalate, threatening both labor relations and project timelines.