Nepal, June 15 -- Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sunil Lamsal's remarks about taking strict action against contractors who delay or neglect construction work have sparked controversy.

During an on-site inspection of the under-construction Nagdhunga-Muglin road project, he said, "Bring the contract papers and find out who the contractor is. If they don't work, break their legs-no matter what. The public here has suffered a lot."

The minister also expressed the government's commitment to facilitating the immediate resolution of problems and obstacles in the project.

The Nagdhunga-Muglin road project, which was previously affected by a shortage of construction materials following the Middle East conflict, has recently...