Gwarko, Lalitpur — What began in February 2022 as a promising solution to one of the Kathmandu Valley’s busiest intersections has now become a symbol of mismanagement and public frustration. The Gwarko Flyover Project, initially budgeted at Rs. 170 million, has seen its cost balloon to a staggering Rs. 440 million — with a new estimate of Rs. 500 million — all funded by taxpayer money.
Despite four deadline extensions over the past three years, the project remains incomplete. To make matters worse, on February 3, 2025, the contractor abruptly abandoned the site without any formal notice, leaving behind a half-finished structure and a trail of unanswered questions.
The project, which aimed to ease chronic traffic congestion in the Lalitpur area, has instead worsened the situation. Local commuters and residents are now forced to deal with:
- Hours-long traffic jams during peak hours
- Excessive fuel consumption and mounting economic losses
- Rising levels of air and noise pollution
- Increased mental stress and frustration among the public
“This has become another Melamchi,” a frustrated commuter said, referring to the infamous Melamchi Water Supply Project that was riddled with delays and corruption scandals. “We’re paying the price for the government’s inefficiency and lack of accountability.”
With no clear plan for resumption or completion in sight, the Gwarko Flyover has become more than just an infrastructural delay — it is a glaring example of systemic failure and negligence.
As public outrage grows, citizens are demanding transparency, accountability, and immediate action from concerned authorities. For now, the flyover stands as a towering reminder of broken promises and burned taxpayer money.
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