KATHMANDU: The under-construction Sanga underpass, a key infrastructure project on the eastern gateway to the Kathmandu Valley, has achieved around 95 percent physical progress, with the main structure and approach roads now complete.
The underpass, regarded as one of the most significant components of the Araniko Highway’s Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel road expansion project, is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety for commuters travelling to and from the Valley.
According to the project, the underpass has a total length of 1,110 metres, including a 190-metre approach road on the Banepa side and a 900-metre approach road towards Bhaktapur.
The main underpass structure is 18 metres long, six metres high and 10.5 metres wide.
The first layer of blacktopping has already been completed. Construction crews are currently installing side retaining walls and carrying out the final asphalt paving.
Once the project is completed, vehicles travelling from Kathmandu and Bhaktapur towards Banepa will use the underpass, while traffic entering Kathmandu from Banepa will continue to use the upper road.
During the remaining construction period, authorities plan to operate two-way traffic through the underpass to ensure smooth vehicle movement while work continues on the upper carriageway during the monsoon season.
The 15.8-kilometre Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel road expansion project has been divided into two sections: a 7.5-kilometre stretch from Suryabinayak to Sanga and an 8.3-kilometre section from Sanga to Dhulikhel.
Construction on the Sanga–Dhulikhel section has progressed more rapidly than the first section. The project’s deadline has been extended for a second time until March 2027.
Project officials said the overall road expansion has also reached nearly 95 percent physical progress, with the remaining work targeted for completion within this year.
The completion of the Sanga underpass is expected to reduce travel time along the Araniko Highway and significantly improve traffic management on one of the country’s busiest road corridors.
Photos: Nepal Photo Library
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