Minister Ghising orders to open BP Highway by Friday evening

By Kedar Timalsina, Banepa, Oct. 10: Minister for Physical Infrastructure, Transport, Urban Development, and Energy, Kul Man Ghising has instructed the Road Division to open the BP Highway, which was damaged and blocked by last week’s floods, by Friday evening.

On Thursday, Minister Ghising visited Chaukidanda along with the Secretary of the Ministry, Director-General of the Department of Roads, and the Chief of Bhaktapur Road Division. He instructed the Road Division and contractors to make the highway operational by Friday evening.

“The flood at Roshi River swept away even the temporary diversion at Chaukidanda, causing heavy damage. Our first priority is to build a temporary track so vehicles can pass by Friday evening,” said Minister Ghising. 

He added that work would continue quickly, with extra equipment and electricity arranged for night-time work. Once the temporary track is ready, it will also make it easier to bring fuel to lower sections for further road repairs.

Secretary Keshab Sharma said the floods damaged sixteen locations along the highway. 

A temporary track would allow vehicles to pass immediately, and permanent repair work, including raising the road and improving its surface, will continue later under the existing contracts.

He also informed that this year’s flood caused less damage than last year’s, affecting about 3.5 kilometres of road.

Senior divisional engineer Suman Yogesh said work is already complete at Chaukidanda, Katunjebesi, Kaladhunga, Dalabesi, and Sukhkapahiro. Work at Bokshikuna is expected to finish tonight and at Charsayebesi and Mamti by Friday evening, allowing to resume vehicular movement from Saturday. 

From the Sindhuli side, roadwork at Nepalthok, Aapghari and Barkhekhola is complete, with work ongoing at Mamti.

During the inspection, Namobuddha Mayor Kunsang Lama criticised the Department of Roads for working haphazardly and not using enough equipment to repair the damaged road. He also expressed his frustration at the slow progress. 

The BP Highway is a vital route, connecting Kathmandu with eastern Terai and hilly districts.

Photo: Minister Kul Man Ghising (centre) inspecting flood-damaged BP Highway.