- Saturday, 18 April 2026
Narayangat-Daunne road section: construction of 34 bridges, culverts completed
The construction of bridges and culverts along the eastern section (Narayangat-Daunne) of the under-expansion Narayangath-Butwal road segment of the East–West Highway has been completed. A total of 34 bridges, including 22 small and 12 large ones, have been built in this section. Additionally, all culverts in the area have also been completed. According to Engineer Chudaraj Dhakal, Chief of the ADB Directorate under the Department of Roads, the bridge construction work required for this section has now been finished. The road expansion project is being carried out with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). A major bridge over the Binayi River at Dumkibas in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) has also been completed and came into operation on Friday. The concrete bridge has a total length of 245 meters. Previously, vehicles had been operating through a diversion after the old iron bridge collapsed two years ago. With the new bridge now in use, transportation along this section has become easier for the time being, Dhakal said. A total of 211 culverts have been constructed in this stretch, which spans 65 kilometers. The road expansion work is currently in its final phase, with the Daunne section nearing completion. The total cost of the project is estimated at NPR 16.99 billion, of which 85 percent is financed through an ADB loan, while the remaining investment is covered by the Government of Nepal. The loan has been provided at an interest rate of 1.5 percent, repayable over 32 years. According to project details, the Gaindakot-Daunne section costs NPR 9.13 billion, while the Daunne-Butwal section costs NPR 7.86 billion. The contract for the road expansion was signed in January 2019 between the Government of Nepal and China State Construction Engineering Corporation, with a completion deadline of July 2022. However, the project is still under construction. Both construction packages have been awarded to the Chinese company. Upon completion, the Department of Road claims that travel time between Narayangath and Butwal will be reduced to a maximum of two hours. The East-West Highway was originally inaugurated in 1961 (B.S. 2018), and its expansion began nearly six decades later.
SC legitimizes special general convention of Nepali Congress
Challenging the Election Commission's decision to recognize the Thapa leadership elected through the special general convention, NC's former President and ex-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and then acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka knocked the apex court's doors.
FDI pledge declines by 28%
Nepal has recorded a notable decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments during the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. According to the Depa
Escaped wolf safely returned to zoo
The South Korean internet erupted in celebration as a 2-year-old wolf that escaped from a zoo in South Korea was captured Friday, safely after a nine-day search that kept the nation on edge and made it a national celebrity.
Nation
Kathmandu's ancient town, Asan, to be vehicle-free every Saturday
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched the 'Vehicle Free Asan' programme from today to preserve the originality of the ancient urban settlement, Asan.
Narayangat-Daunne road section: construction of 34 bridges, culverts completed
The construction of bridges and culverts along the eastern section (Narayangat-Daunne) of the under-expansion Narayangath-Butwal road segment of the East–West Highway has been completed. A total of 34 bridges, including 22 small and 12 large ones, have been built in this section. Additionally, all culverts in the area have also been completed. According to Engineer Chudaraj Dhakal, Chief of the ADB Directorate under the Department of Roads, the bridge construction work required for this section has now been finished. The road expansion project is being carried out with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). A major bridge over the Binayi River at Dumkibas in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) has also been completed and came into operation on Friday. The concrete bridge has a total length of 245 meters. Previously, vehicles had been operating through a diversion after the old iron bridge collapsed two years ago. With the new bridge now in use, transportation along this section has become easier for the time being, Dhakal said. A total of 211 culverts have been constructed in this stretch, which spans 65 kilometers. The road expansion work is currently in its final phase, with the Daunne section nearing completion. The total cost of the project is estimated at NPR 16.99 billion, of which 85 percent is financed through an ADB loan, while the remaining investment is covered by the Government of Nepal. The loan has been provided at an interest rate of 1.5 percent, repayable over 32 years. According to project details, the Gaindakot-Daunne section costs NPR 9.13 billion, while the Daunne-Butwal section costs NPR 7.86 billion. The contract for the road expansion was signed in January 2019 between the Government of Nepal and China State Construction Engineering Corporation, with a completion deadline of July 2022. However, the project is still under construction. Both construction packages have been awarded to the Chinese company. Upon completion, the Department of Road claims that travel time between Narayangath and Butwal will be reduced to a maximum of two hours. The East-West Highway was originally inaugurated in 1961 (B.S. 2018), and its expansion began nearly six decades later.
Bagmati province government raises revenue of Rs 27.93 billion
The Bagmati province government has collected public revenue amounting to Rs 27.93 billion (41.40 percent of the annual target) in the nine months of the current fiscal year.
Health Ministry to grant two-day public holiday in public hospitals
Ministry of Health and Population has decided to grant two-day public holiday in public hospitals on Saturday and Sunday.
World
Lebanese lives torn apart as Israel ceasefire loomed
Khodr Sahmarani stood dazed beside the rubble of his south Lebanon home, his forehead in a white bandage, staring at the wreckage where his brother, nephew and two neighbours died.
Business
FDI pledge declines by 28%
Nepal has recorded a notable decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments during the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. According to the Depa
Border crackdown disrupts apple re-export trade
Traders in eastern Nepal who had been importing apples from China and illegally re-exporting them to India have found themselves in serious difficulty after local authorities tightened controls at the border.
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MoU for promoting handicrafts
The Nepal Handicrafts Federation and the Himalayan Everest Insurance Company Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on promotion of handicraft sector.
Diesel, kerosene surpass petrol prices in Nepal
Diesel and kerosene prices have surpassed petrol for the first time in Nepal following a sharp price hike by the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). According to a decision made during the
Sports
Army clinch third PM Cup title
Tribhuwan Army Club have won the Men’s Prime Minister (PM) Cup National One-Day Cricket Tournament 2026 on Friday. Army remained unbeaten throughout the e
Interview
Neither old parties need to panic nor new ones gloat over, PM Karki cautions
Prime Minister Sushila Karki had taken up the responsibility of the head of the executive when the country was in difficult circumstances and has successfully fulfilled the task of conducting the House of Representatives election within the stipulated time.
Growing heart disease raises health concerns in Nepal, Dr. Bhattarai
In recent years, heart disease has been increasing in Nepal. Among non-communicable diseases, heart disease ranks first. The growing burden of non-communicable diseases worldwide has significantly affected Nepal as well. Many people i
Society
Kathmandu's ancient town, Asan, to be vehicle-free every Saturday
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched the 'Vehicle Free Asan' programme from today to preserve the originality of the ancient urban settlement, Asan.