KATHMANDU: Construction of the second phase of the Kathmandu Ring Road expansion project (Kalanki Maharajgunj section) has yet to begin, despite an agreement between Nepal and China signed several years ago.

Local residents have been facing persistent problems due to the delay, with muddy conditions during the monsoon and excessive dust in the dry winter season.

The agreement for the expansion was signed in 2018 (2075 BS) between representatives of the two countries, covering an 8.2 kilometer stretch from Kalanki to Maharajgunj.

During a high level visit to China by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, both sides had also reaffirmed their commitment to implement the second phase of the Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project through a 12-point joint statement.

Although construction of the service lanes along the Kalanki Maharajgunj section has begun, progress on the main road expansion has remained stalled.