Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track Marks 27.19% Physical Progress Amid Challenges

Kathmandu, Nov 11: The Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track project, a national pride initiative led by the Nepali Army (NA), has achieved a commendable 27.19% physical progress and 29.32% financial progress, overcoming various obstacles and challenges.

Once completed, the four-lane expressway aims to reduce travel time from the Kathmandu Valley to the southern plains to just 2 hours and 2 minutes. Stretching from Khokana in Lalitpur to Kathmandu, Makawanpur, and reaching Nijgadh in Bara district, the fast track is expected to be a vital transportation link.

Initiated with the foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on May 28, 2017, at Nijgadh, the national project is projected to conclude by mid-April 2027.

The government, in October last year, approved the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Rs 211.93 billion project. The updated plan shortened the length of the fast track to 70.9 km from its initial measurement. The expressway, constructed to Asian Highway standards, will include six tunnels totaling 10.055 kilometers, with a prohibition on two-wheelers. Moreover, it will feature a total of 89 bridges along its route.

Notably, the designs for 45 bridges have been completed, covering packages 1 to 5, as confirmed by the Nepali Army. Colonel Bishwa Bandhu Pahadi of the NA expressed a resolute commitment to ensuring the project’s timely completion, emphasizing the army’s dedication to delivering a high-quality fast track within the established timeline.

Construction activities are currently focused on the development of tall bridges and tunnels at Mahadevtar, Dhedre, and Lanedanda in Makawanpur district, organized into a total of 13 packages. The slow-paced construction initially experienced delays due to the untimely approval of the DPR, land acquisition challenges, and environmental impact assessments, including tree clearance, as reported by the NA.