Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Masashi Ogawa, has handed over the 160-km long highway to Prime Minister Sushil Koirala during a function organized in Dhulikhel of Kavreplanchowk district.
The BP Highway, which is also the shortest route connecting eastern districts of Tarai with the capital, was constructed by the Japanese government at a cost of Rs 1.1 billion in about 20 years. The construction had started in August 1995 and completed on March 1, 2015.
"The BP Highway has been constructed keeping in view the geophysical aspect and is environment friendly," said Bharat Kaji Bharat Kaji Dewaju, project manager of the highway. He informed that recent earthquake has caused some damage some sections of the highway.A team of Japanese technicians has already inspected the damaged parts. Rebuilding the damaged portion of the highway will start soon after the monsoon, according to project manager Dewaju.
He said the Japanese government will bear the responsibility of the highway's repair and maintenance for the next two years following the hand-over.
Meanwhile, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transportation Bimlendra Nidhi said the BP highway is connects all three geographical regions -- mountains, hills and the Tarai. He argued that the government, keeping in view the longevity of the highway, has to put a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles along the newly constructed Dhulikhel-Sindhuli-Bardibas road.
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