Kathmandu, June 8 -- Two years ago, the Sharma/Bishoi/Surya JV construction company claimed Rs 1.44 billion from the Department of Roads before an arbitration tribunal. The amount sought in the construction dispute was around Rs 100 million higher than the total contract value of the project.

The contractor for the Keshaliya-Chimadi-Laukahi Road Upgrading Project in Sunsari claimed losses, arguing that unexpected soil extraction costs and delays in relocating electricity poles left trucks and equipment idle.

According to records of the Nepal Council of Arbitration, which resolved the dispute, the tribunal awarded around 20 percent of the claimed amount, ordering the department to pay Rs 288.5 million to Sharma/Bishoi/Surya JV, including...