Kathmandu-Terai-Madhesh Expressway achieves break-through

Published On: August 5, 2024 04:10 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

PM Oli inspects Kathmandu-Terai-Madhesh Expressway construction

KATHMANDU, Aug 5: The Kathmandu-Terai-Madhesh Expressway (Dhedre Tunnel) achieved a breakthrough today. Prime Minister KP Oli visited the construction site to inspect the progress of this vital infrastructure project.

The breakthrough of the Dhedre Tunnel, situated in Bakaiya Rural Municipality of Makwanpur, marks the completion of all tunnels in package number two, which is managed by Poly Changda Construction Company. Previously, the Lendanda tunnels had also been completed. Today's work included drilling the remaining Dhedre Tunnel towards Kathmandu-Nijgadh.

PM Oli arrived by helicopter for an on-site inspection of various sections of the Fast Track project. He landed at Lendanda, where he reviewed the construction progress.

Accompanying PM Oli were Defense Minister Manbir Rai, Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma, and other officials.

The expressway, stretching 70.977 kilometers, features a total of 10.309 kilometers of tunnels. The Dhedre Tunnel itself measures 1,691 meters in length. This project involves the construction of six tunnels, including the longest one, which spans 3,355 meters at Mahadev Danda. According to the Nepali Army, 65 percent of the tunnel construction work is now complete.

Overall, the project is 35.38 percent complete. As per a decision made on May 4, 2017, the Nepali Army has been tasked with managing the construction of the Kathmandu-Terai Expressway, with work divided into various packages.

Currently, construction is progressing on the road section from 6.5 km to 70.977 km. However, work on the 6.5 km section from the starting point has been delayed due to disputes. The expressway will connect Lalitpur’s Khokana with Bara’s Nijgadh.