Press Release

Nearly 82% complete, the structure is now being partially demolished due to design flaws and safety concerns raised by engineers. Local authorities blame rushed planning and poor oversight, sparking debates over construction quality in Nepal’s urban infrastructure projects. The Gwarko overpass in Lalitpur, heralded as Nepal’s first modern flyover, has become a symbol of frustration after authorities ordered its partial demolition despite reaching 82% completion. Initially launched with high hopes of easing traffic congestion in the Kathmandu Valley, the project faced scrutiny when engineers identified critical structural flaws—cracks in support beams, poor-quality concrete, and misaligned design specs—that posed serious safety risks. Local residents and commuters, who endured years of construction delays and road closures, are now voicing anger over wasted resources and questionable oversight. Experts point to a lack of rigorous quality checks and rushed timelines as the culprits, reigniting debates about Nepal’s capacity to deliver reliable urban infrastructure. The incident has prompted calls for an independent audit of all ongoing public projects, with some officials vowing to hold contractors accountable. Meanwhile, the site stands as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nepal’s ambitious development goals.