KATHMANDU, Oct 24: The Nepali Army has said that the Kathmandu-Terai fast-track will be completed within the scheduled deadline and without any cost escalation.
Speaking at a media briefing, Project Director Dharmendra Kumar Jha said the national pride project is progressing smoothly under the army's management. The 70.977-km-long expressway has currently achieved 43.6 percent physical progress and 44.72 percent financial progress, according to the Nepali Army.
The initial estimated cost of the project is Rs 201.3 billion and Jha clarified that it will be completed by the end of March next year, without exceeding the budget.
Parliamentary panel directs govt to complete project in time wi...
Under the project, 87 bridges are being constructed, some of which are of special engineering design and will stand up to 82 meters in height. The Army informed that two out of seven tunnels have already been drilled, two are under ongoing construction, and portal works on the remaining three have begun.
The expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time and transportation costs between the central Terai and the Kathmandu Valley, boosting national economic activities.
Meanwhile, Nepali Army said it has already completed 32 road projects of strategic importance, opening more than 1,400 kilometers of pilot tracks and handing them over to the government.
The national army has also helped connect Humla to the national road network by contributing to the installation of the Beli Bridge at Chuwa Khela along the Karnali Corridor. Currently, the force is working on over 274 kilometers of roads under five major projects, including: Khandwari–Kimathanka; Karnali Corridor; Banighat–Arughat–Larkabhanjyang and Darchula–Tinkar road segment.
According to Director of War Operations Manoj Thapa, all national pride projects under Army responsibility are being prioritized to meet their respective deadlines.
