PM Oli inquires about progress of Kathmandu-Tarai expressway

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has inquired about the progress of Kathmandu-Tarai expressway achieved so far.

He also sought information on the existing problems and measures for the solution.

The under-construction Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes fast track is a national pride project.

Discussion was held on it with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Poudel; Minister for Physical Infrastructures and Transport, Devendra Dahal; Defense Minister Manbir Rai; PM’s Advisor on Economic Affairs, Dr Yubraj Khatiwada; Chief of Army Staffs, Ashok Raj Sigdel; and high-ranking officials at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

The Nepal Army briefed the meeting about the problems regarding land acquisition at Khokana, the beginning point of the project located in the southern outskirt of the Kathmandu Valley and delay in removing tress in the project area.
On the occasion, the PM expressed the belief that there would be no compromise in construction of the project as responsibility for the construction of the project was given to the NA.

He urged the concerned ministries to bring proposals for the resolution of the problems in the Khokana area.

Construction of 70.97 km fast track had initiated in 2074 BS at a cost of Rs 211.93 billion.

A target has been set to complete the project in Chaitra 2083 BS.

However, the overall physical progress of the project is 37.6 per cent and financial progress 39.74 per cent so far.