KATHMANDU, April 6 -- Chinese construction companies have been delaying the construction of significant and strategically important road projects in Nepal, with several issues arising in road projects contracted to Chinese firms.

A prime example is the delayed progress in the second phase of the ring road expansion project in Kathmandu. Despite promises, the Chinese company has been hesitant to commence the road expansion from Kalanki to Maharajgunj, a project intended to be financed with Chinese grants.

For an extended period, the Chinese side has offered assurances of imminent work on the ring road expansion, yet visits to the project site have not been forthcoming. There appears to be a pattern of occupying projects without progressi...