The high-level committee regarding the study of possible activities from the private sectors on the fast track construction submitted the report to the Minister for Physical Planning and Construction, and Transport Management, Hridayesh Tripathi on Monday.[break]
The report has meticulously mentioned the entire administrative, legal and technical aspects of the construction from survey to bidding in line with the BOT model with the investment from the private sector.
It is estimated that it would cost Rs 75 billion to construct the highway with the length of 76 km from Kathmandu to Nijgadh, Bara.
As per the study report, some 84 short and long bridges need to be constructed for the roadway. Similarly, the mounds and cliffs as high as 50m should be removed in the process of construction.
Moreover, the highway would complete in five years and investment would be regained within 15 years.
There would be immediate bidding for the construction and if the Nepali investors show interest, they would be provided 7 percent conceding, the report added.
However, it would be difficult for Nepali investors as huge amount would be spent at a single time.
Also, the report has pointed out the need to broaden the two-lane section of the East-West Highway to four lanes from Nijgadh to Pathlaiya.
Nepal Army has been opening the fast track for three years and it would be completed by coming September.
The government has provided some 800 million rupees to the Nepal Army for opening the fast track so far, and the owners of the lands breached with the fast track are getting compensated.
After the construction of the fast track, the distance of some 200 km would be curtailed for the vehicles which are being operated from the capital city to the mid Terai now.
Receiving the report, Minister Tripathi lauded the high-level committee for submitting the study report in such a meticulous way before the deadline.
Further process would be taken on the fast track now, he added.
The high-level study committee was coordinated by Dinkar Sharma having the members- Hari Prasad Dhakal, Ram Ayodhya Prasad, Rajendra Nepal, Umesh Raj Rimal and member secretary Dinesh Prakash Basnet.
Related story
Legal hurdles delaying Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track construction:...
