The Galchhi-Rasuwagadhi road project, with the help of the Nuwakot district administration, has started demolishing roadside houses to widen the road.

The project has acquired most of the properties along the road by providing compensation to the owners. Some of the locals have refused the project’s offer to vacate their properties, but officials say they are in the middle of negotiations. The project is currently demolishing the houses of those families who have received the compensation but are unwilling to move out.

The project demolished around two dozen houses and sheds at Belkotgadhi-5 and 7 in the district on Friday evening with the support of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and the construction companies.

“The road expansion work will be delayed if the roadside structures are not demolished immediately,” said Narayan Dutta Bhandari, chief of the road project.

The government recently started the upgradation work of Galchhi-Rasuwagadhi road section.

According to the road project, 837 houses along the road have to be demolished for the road expansion. The project management said it would soon start demolishing roadside structures in Bidur Municipality.

The Galchhi-Trishuli-Rasuwagadhi road is a national pride project that has been deemed as a strategic road network that connects the southern and northern neighbours. This road is the key to implementing the Transit Transport Agreement signed between Nepal and China during KP Sharma Oli’s visit to Beijing in 2016.