Prime Minister directs to move forward with Kathmandu-Terai Madhes fast track project

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Feb.17: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has directed to proceed with alternative planning by putting aside the debate of over Khokana, the departure point of the Kathmandu-Terai Madhes Fast Track.

Prime Minister Karki has given this directive in the context of concerns being expressed by the local community regarding the impact on religious and cultural heritage and beliefs in Khokana, Lalitpur.

She put forward the plan of the alternative route in the discussion held in the office of Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers held today. 

PM Kakri had inspected the under construction Kathmandu-Terai Madhes Expressway on January 27. On that occasion, she stated that the concerns of local people must be taken seriously while carrying out development and construction works.

She also emphasized that this national pride project should be completed at the earliest, even if it requires changing the starting point.

Today, Prime Minister Karki invited Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Law Minister Anil Kumar Sinha, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Madhav Chaulagain, National Planning Commission Vice Chair Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Nepal Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and officials related to the fast track project and secretaries of the concerned ministries for a discussion.

On the occasion, a briefing was held on behalf of the Nepal Army on the progress made in the project so far, problems, and expectations from the government. 

“There should be no unnecessary delay in development work. Disputes should be resolved as much as possible. We should find alternatives and move forward,” Prime Minister Karki said. 

She directed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) be revised and that the starting point be determined from a mutually agreeable location instead of Khokana.