KATHMANDU: The eastern section of the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi road, a key trade route being integrated into the Asian Highway network, has reached 52 percent completion in blacktopping.
With only four months remaining in the current construction contract, the project aims to achieve 90 percent of the total work by the deadline.
Project chief Sunil Babu Panta stated that construction is progressing at a rate of 700 to 800 meters of blacktopping per day. While road work is moving forward, bridge construction remains slower, with overall progress at 31 percent.
Currently, 21 bridges are under construction, including structures longer than 300 meters over the Ninda, Biring, and Kankai rivers. Work is also ongoing on the Ratuwa, Bakraha, and Lohandra bridges in the western section.
Most minor culverts have been completed, and the project is now focusing on simultaneous road upgrades, bridge construction, and overpass development.
Plans include building motorable overpasses at Charali Chowk, Birtamod, and Charpane. Additionally, the project includes an underpass for elephants in the Charali forest area and six pedestrian crossings.
The road upgrade is supported by a loan from the Asian Development Bank. The contract for the 45-kilometer Kakarbhitta-Sitapuri section was signed for Rs 10.0694 billion.
