The long-awaited Gwarko overpass, built to ease chronic traffic congestion along the Koteshwar–Gwarko–Kalanki corridor, is finally set to open to the public from this Friday, officials confirmed.

According to Deep Barahi, director at the quality research and development centre under the Department of Roads, final touches—including painting and traffic signal installation—are currently underway and are expected to be completed before the inauguration. “The overpass is ready. Once the overpass comes into operation, it will significantly reduce the daily traffic jams that have plagued this stretch,” Barahi said.

Initiated in February 2022 under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model, the four-lane overpass was originally slated for completion in two years. From Gwarko intersection, the structure spans 320 metres towards Koteshwar and 185 metres towards Satdobato, with both sides featuring four layers of blacktopping. The ramp stands 10.2 metres high.

However, the project faced multiple setbacks, including a 13-month halt due to design complications. The deadline was extended three times—from the original February 2024 target to July 2024, then December 24, 2024.

After missing all three deadlines, the contractor, Ashish-Samanantar-Religare JV, was fined and pressured to accelerate work from December 25.

The project was awarded at a contract value of Rs176.68 million. Officials say that despite the delays, the overpass opening will bring long-awaited relief to daily commuters along one of the capital’s busiest road sections.

Once operational, the contractor will be responsible for the maintenance for the next five years.

The Department of Roads expressed confidence that the launch will mark a turning point in traffic management in the area. Since the start of construction, motorists have been forced to endure long queues and delays due to bottlenecks at the Gwarko intersection. The department believes the new infrastructure will significantly alleviate that burden.

Here are some photos of the ongoing tasks of the overpass from the lenses of the Post's photojournalist Deepak KC.