Dolpa, March 23 -- kilometre Dunai-Lyaseekyap section of the Bheri Corridor remains far from completion, with just 13 percent of the work done despite the project being contracted nearly three years ago.

The contractor however blamed shortage of explosives, which are vital for blasting through the rocky terrain, for the slow pace of construction.

Surya-Shreya-Shanti JV, the contractor for the project, blamed the delay on the slow procurement process for explosives, which has only recently been resolved with a formal agreement with the Nepal Army. With less than a year left before the contract expires, there are growing concerns about whether the project will meet its deadlines.

The Bheri Corridor is designed to be a strategic road link...