2 sources · 4 articles

Started 2 days ago · Updated 1 day ago

Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Expressway Faces Delays Amidst Khokana Section Dispute

Photo · english.ratopati.com

Construction of the Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Expressway has reached approximately 48 percent physical progress, but faces significant delays primarily due to an unresolved dispute in the Khokana section. The Nepali Army, managing the project, indicates that the completion deadline of March 2026 is unlikely to be met, with experts suggesting an additional three years may be needed.

• The Khokana section, considered the project's zero point, is experiencing delays due to compensation disputes, protection of archaeological sites, and issues with Guthi land.
• Infrastructure expert Arjun Jung Thapa stated that the project's current pace and technical difficulties make completion within the remaining 11 months impossible, estimating at least three more years are required.
• The Nepali Army reported that while seven tunnels are under construction and breakthrough work is progressing, construction on four bridges in the Khokana section has not yet begun.
• The project, initially targeted for completion within four years of its handover to the Nepali Army in July 2017, has already seen its deadline postponed multiple times, with the current revised target set for March 2026.
• The overall physical progress of the Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Expressway project has reached 46.88 percent, with 53 percent of the work still pending.