Evaluating the key causes and impacts of delays in municipal construction projects in Nepal

Abstract

Delays are a common problem in construction endeavors, greatly affecting projects and their stakeholders. This research delves into the reasons and repercussions of delays in Nepal’s municipal construction projects, offering crucial insights into contributing elements. The study utilized the Relative Importance Index (RII) to identify 54 causes and 20 impacts of delays. Significant causes include challenging soil conditions, delayed budget releases, and poor client-contractor communication. Data from clients, contractors, consultancies, and case studies revealed additional factors like price surges and equipment shortages. In road and bridge construction, bids averaging 37.52% below tender prices lead to increased costs, schedule overruns, disruptions, and resource inefficiencies. In Shuklagandaki Municipality, 89.81% of construction initiatives encountered delays, with the worst case reaching a 795% overrun for the Mankauri Motor Margha upgrade. The main causes of these delays include ineffective contract planning, COVID-19 effects, a lack of materials, and underbidding. The report offers targeted recommendations for clients, consultants, and contractors, stressing the importance of collaboration to reduce delays. The findings underscore the need for enhanced project management methods to achieve better construction outcomes in the area. The study advocates for a nationwide analysis to devise strategies that address the primary causes of delays in municipal construction projects across Nepal.