'Resolving Khokana problems must for timely completion of Kathmandu-Terai Expressway'

Hetauda, Oct 27: The Nepali Army (NA) has assured that if the problem of Khokana-Bungmati that lies under Package No 11 in Lalitpur is resolved, the construction of Kathmandu-Terai Expressway could be completed within the deadline.

NA Spokesperson and Brigadier General Gaurav Kumar KC admitted that the national pride project could not be intensified owing to various hindrances but efforts are being made for execution of the project within the stipulated timeline.

The NA has been entrusted with the responsibility of constructing 72.5-km long expressway that connects Kathmandu to Madhesh Province. The NA identified Package no 11 as a major challenge facing the project at present, described Spokesperson KC. 

"We have not been able to proceed with the contract and procurement due to the unresolved issues relating to Package no 11. Although a committee has been formed in coordination of the Ministry, it is imperative to create an enabling environment by securing support from locals to all other stakeholders," he shared.

The four-lane expressway runs along the Bagmati River Corridor and passes through Khokana of Lalitpur district and reach Nijgadh of Bara district via Makawanpur as per the Detailed Project Report.

Spokesperson KC further informed that problems relating to tree felling and land acquisition are being addressed. He clarified that although physical and financial progress of the project seems to be less in terms of per cent, the progress on the ground is more.

He shared that the project has achieved 36.42 percent progress and assured that the project would be completed within the deadline if payment related and other administrative issues were addressed promptly.

Spokesperson KC also explained that challenges regarding land acquisition in the Khokana-Bungmati area. The protracted decisions concerning the expressway's initial point and traffic management have delayed procurement processes.

The financial progress of the project is at 38.55 percent currently, he added. Of the total 13 construction packages of the undertaking, the Packages no 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8 A, 8 B, 9 B and 10 are currently under-construction while Package no 11 remains the most challenging one.

The fast-track will have a 6.41km long tunnels whiles 89 bridges along it will cover 10.59 km. (RSS)