NA Appoints New Head for Kathmandu-Terai Expressway Construction Project

The Nepali Army (NA) has announced a change in leadership for the ambitious Kathmandu-Terai Expressway construction project. Brigadier General Bikash Pokharel has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the fast-track project, replacing Brigadier General Kamal Bikram Shah.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over the slow progress of the construction work, with only 28 percent completion of the 71 km long expressway, which is scheduled for completion by 2083 BS (three years from now). The Nepali Army took charge of the project in 2078 BS after a prolonged administrative process that extended beyond the initial handover in 2074 BS.

The change in leadership was prompted by complaints about the sluggish pace of construction, and recent inquiries in the Parliamentary Committee of the Federal Parliament regarding the delays added further pressure on the Nepali Army. Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma responded to these concerns by appointing Brigadier General Bikash Pokharel to lead the project, with expectations of expediting the construction process to meet the upcoming deadlines.

The newly appointed project head, Brigadier General Bikash Pokharel, is now tasked with the challenge of ensuring the completion of the expressway within the stipulated timeframe and addressing the criticisms surrounding the project’s progress. The public and stakeholders will be closely watching the developments as the Nepali Army aims to accelerate the construction and meet the expectations set for the Kathmandu-Terai Expressway.