Main Road Expansion in Birgunj: ‘The Goal is Right but the Method is Problematic’
Early Sunday morning, as part of the road expansion and encroachment removal campaign, bulldozers were deployed around Birgunj’s main road to demolish houses and shops, impacting local residents.
Following the administration and concerned agencies’ decision to widen the road segment of Tribhuvan Rajpath from Gandak Chowk to Miteri Bridge to a 25-meter width on each side, reactions from locals have been mixed.
Some locals have expressed that such a step is necessary for Birgunj’s development, while others have voiced complaints about the lack of adequate notice and the abrupt eviction process.
Nutun Sarawgi, a resident whose house was demolished in Adarsh Nagar, clarified that road expansion, following court orders, is a necessary developmental step and asserted that they are not against development.
However, she emphasized that the approach taken during the development process was extremely painful and unacceptable.
She said, “If this was truly for the city’s future, at least 10-15 days’ notice could have been given to allow organized planning. We have the right to prepare where to move our shops and homes, and how to safely relocate the sick and elderly, but that right was violated.”
According to her, residents are currently left without water, electricity, shelter, or business spaces. She also lamented the neglect of special consideration for ill, elderly, hospitalized patients, and newborns inside the demolished homes.
Sarawgi demanded proper compensation, a clear rehabilitation plan, and for humanity and sensitivity to be prioritized in future efforts.
This road section has been contentious for a long time.
According to the Road Division Office in Hetauda, houses, shops, stalls and other structures within 25 meters on each side from the road center are being removed.
Structures have been demolished from the Miteri Bridge near the Nepal-India border up to the Gandak Canal Chowk. A notice signed by Assistant Chief District Officer Binod Kumar Pokharel was issued on Saturday regarding the demolition.
Authorities reported using bulldozers, JCBs, and excavators to carry out the demolition work.
Officials assert this step is vital to alleviate severe traffic congestion, narrow roads, and haphazard structures in Birgunj.
Samima Khatun, who had opened a shop selling shoes and sandals only months ago on this road, stated she invested millions but received no time to arrange her goods before eviction.
“We had paid a lot of advance to start the shop. We didn’t even get a day to manage the goods. Now, leftover stock is being sold at half price,” she said.
Another business owner, Sushil Sharma, who sold affordable new clothes and saris, expressed that he was forced to sell costly stock at a loss due to the demolition.
“There’s no benefit in holding onto the goods; we must sell them to make a living,” he said, adding that while demolition may be justified, not granting enough time for managing goods caused dissatisfaction.
This road widening project had been stalled for years due to ongoing court cases.
However, after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the government and dismissed the writ petition, the expansion work was allowed to proceed.
Previously, despite multiple public notices, implementation had failed to commence.
Locals state that since demolition began early morning, they were unable to retrieve belongings from their homes and shops, resulting in significant loss and damage.
The demolition work has also disrupted power lines in various parts of Birgunj, adding to residents’ difficulties during the hot weather.
Locals reported difficulties charging mobile phones, arranging drinking water, and conducting daily activities due to the power outage.
The Nepal Electricity Authority’s Birgunj Distribution Center has issued a notice that power service may be interrupted from 6th to 8th Baisakh (April 19–21).
Some areas have had power restoration, but others remain affected, with full recovery expected to take additional time.
Some locals have supported the road expansion, linking it to long-term benefits. Chandan Yadav said despite some losses, it will benefit the future and believes Birgunj will become more beautiful.
He said, “We all knew that if not done today, the market would collapse tomorrow. If this work is completed on time, it will greatly contribute to Birgunj’s development.”
Similarly, Chandeshwar Chaurasiya called this a correct step for development. Noting how road expansions in places like Jitpur and Parwanipur improved those areas, he also suggested some time should have been given for clearing goods and houses.
According to Navaraj Phuyal, press advisor to Birgunj Metropolitan Mayor Rajeshman Singh, by Monday when this report was prepared, nearly 1,200 encroached structures had been demolished.
The metropolitan office states that within the road expansion boundary, there are 29 government buildings and approximately 1,200 privately owned homes.
While hopes for development have been renewed with the resumption of the long-delayed road widening in Birgunj, serious questions remain about the pain of affected citizens and the process of rehabilitation.
Many workers and employees who earned a livelihood through shops have also lost their jobs, causing widespread grief among residents.
The BBC Nepali channel is also available on YouTube. To subscribe and watch our videos, click here. You can also find our content on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, the BBC Nepali service can be heard on the radio at 8:45 pm from Monday to Friday.