East-West Highway expansion picks up pace in Koshi

By Hari Prasad Koirala,Urlabari, Feb. 4: The expansion of the Kakarbhittta-Laukahi section of the East-West Highway has picked up pace. 

An agreement for the road expansion was signed on October 19, 2023, and work began on February 2, 2024. Over one year, the project has achieved 11 per cent physical progress and 6.55 per cent financial progress. The highway is being constructed with the support of the Asian Development Bank.

According to Er. Chuda Raj Dhakal, Director of the Project Directorate (ADB), although work began on February 2, 2024, site clearance took extra time due to works like tree cutting, relocating electricity poles, transferring drinking water pipes and removing cable network wires. 

The monsoon season further delayed work until Asoj (October-November). According to Dhakal, a monthly target of 3.5 per cent physical progress has now been set to accelerate the work.

The project is facing challenges due to a shortage of soil in the Jhapa section. Even the soil sold by locals has been restricted under Chure conservation efforts. Dhakal stressed the need for local government support to resolve minor issues for the national pride project, saying that millions of truckloads of soil are required. 

Contract details and progress by sections

The first section from Kakarbhitta to Sitapuri, Kerkha, covers 45 kilometres and is contracted at Rs. 10.6 billion. This section has achieved 12.5 per cent physical progress and 10 per cent financial progress.

The second section runs from Kerkha in Jhapa to Gothgau in Morang, covering 40 km, with a contract value of Rs. 9.13 billion. Out of this, 18 kilometres passes through forest areas. Due to fewer disputes and timely site clearance, this section has recorded 15.56 per cent physical and 7.7 per cent financial progress.

The third section, from Gothgau in Morang to Labipur in Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, Sunsari, spans 10.76 kilometres and is contracted at Rs. 4.07 billion. This section has seen the slowest progress due to dense residential areas and urban complexities, achieving only 6.1 per cent physical and 4.79 per cent financial progress.

In the eastern section (fourth package), contracts for three bridges over the Ninda, Biring and Kankai rivers, each over 300 metres long, have been awarded at Rs. 5.97 billion. Currently, these bridges have achieved 9.6 per cent physical and 4.79 per cent financial progress.

In the western section (fifth package), separate contracts have been signed for three 300-metre-long bridges over the Ratua, Bakraha and Lohandra rivers. These bridges have achieved 11.4 per cent physical and 6.6 per cent financial progress. 

Jagat Prajapati, Chief of the Western Section Office, said that the same construction company responsible for the eastern section bridges is handling the western section as well. The contract for the three western bridges was awarded at Rs. 5.6526 billion. 

In the first section, out of 85 box culverts, most are in the final stages of construction. Motorable overpasses will be constructed at Charali Chowk, Birtamod, and Charpane Chowk. In the jungle area of Charali, underpasses for elephants and six pedestrian crossings are under construction.

For the western section, Prajapati said that packages 2, 3 and 5 are under three separate contracts. The second section has shown the most progress, with the completion of piling work for the bridges. 

Of the 47 box culverts, most are in their final stages and some are already operational. If this pace continues, the section is expected to achieve 4 per cent monthly physical progress. Similarly, 3,576 cubic metres of sub-base materials have been laid so far in the second section.

In both western section packages, the roads are being constructed by the CRFG-Tundi JV. Since 50-metre-wide roads are planned for the main urban areas, the clearance of verandas, railings and other structures from these areas is still pending.

All packages under the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi section are scheduled for completion by November 2026.