KATHMANDU: The construction of the Kathmandu–Tarai/Madhes Expressway, a national pride project of strategic significance, has gained momentum after years of delays. Managed and closely monitored by the Nepali Army, the project is targeted for completion by the end of April 2027.
Although the work had been slowed in the past due to policy hurdles, geographical challenges, and land acquisition issues, the pace has now picked up, Nepali Army Spokesperson Rajaram Basnet said.
According to the updated status report for FY 2024/25, the expressway has achieved 42.13 percent overall physical progress and 44 percent financial progress (including mobilization advances) by the end of July.
Of the 13 construction packages, work is underway or in the implementation phase for packages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, and 10. For package 11, which covers the Khokana–Dukuchap section, coordination is ongoing regarding land acquisition and traffic management at the starting point of the expressway.
So far, the project has incurred a total expenditure of Rs 80.54 billion. This includes Rs 1.65 billion advanced for land acquisition, Rs 823.7 million paid as mobilization advances to contractors, and Rs 98.1 million advanced to the Nepal Electricity Authority. Deducting these advances, the net expenditure stands at Rs 77.97 billion.
In the Lendanda section, road construction has reached 61 percent completion. This stretch includes six bridges with a total length of 1,107 meters and two double-tube tunnels where breakthroughs have been achieved and finishing works are ongoing. Five culverts have been fully completed.
In addition, foundations have been laid for an 81-meter-high bridge, with superstructure construction now underway.
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