Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track Achieves 45.33 Percent Progress with About 14 Months to Deadline

With about 14 months remaining until its extended deadline, the Kathmandu–Tarai Fast Track has achieved just 45.33 percent progress in construction work.

The 70.97-kilometre expressway, being constructed under the management of the Nepali Army, has achieved 45.33 percent physical progress so far. The project’s total estimated cost stands at Rs 211.93 billion, while actual expenditure has reached Rs 77.97 billion. Overall financial spending, including other costs, has climbed to Rs 82.97 billion.

A Cabinet meeting held on April 18, 2023, had extended the project’s completion deadline till mid-April 2027. However, completing the remaining 54.67 percent of work within the next 14 months remains a major challenge. Despite the tight timeline, the Nepali Army has reiterated its commitment to completing the project within the stipulated period.

For the current fiscal year, the government has allocated Rs 24.49 billion for the project. As of mid-January, expenditure stood at Rs 1.63 billion, according to official data.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki last Tuesday inspected the fast track for the first time since assuming office. Following the inspection, she directed concerned authorities to expedite construction works. She also urged them to ensure that road infrastructure and other development activities do not harm religious beliefs or cultural heritage.

During her visit to Khokana in Lalitpur—the starting point of the expressway—the prime minister instructed officials to take local concerns seriously and seek appropriate solutions.

According to the Nepali Army, contract management has been completed for 85 of the 89 bridges planned along the fast track. Contracting for the remaining four bridges in the Khokana section has been delayed due to unresolved land acquisition issues. Of the bridges under construction, foundation works have been completed at 54 locations, while sub-structure works have been finished at 34 sites.

The Army also reported that construction of 13 special bridges, including those with heights of up to 82 metres, has been completed. Of the seven tunnels with a combined length of 10.97 kilometres, only four tunnel bores at two locations—Lendanda and Dhedre—have been completed so far, while breakthroughs at the remaining five sites are still pending.