June 16: The construction of the much awaited Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track Road has not moved ahead due to the absence of work procedures. Te government is yet to approve the work procedure for the implementation of the project.  

Dubbed as the Project of National Pride, the road is being viewed as the shortest highway connecting capital valley and the southern Terai region.

 The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has already prepared the work procedure as per the request of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) on May 19. However, the non-approval of the work procedure which was already prepared by MoPIT two weeks ago has created obstacles to progress the project.

The Nepal Army has taken the responsibility to construct the project. The project which is being constructed with Nepali investment is expected to conclude within the next four years.

The then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal formally inaugurated the construction work of the Fast Track Road on May 28. The project entered implementation phase nine years after its declaration.

According to a source at MoD, different working committees have been formed to move ahead the project. However, problem has been created as due rights have not been assigned to the committees.

The work procedure is being discussed by the Office of the Prime Minister and other bodies, a source said. Two committees have been formed for the mobilization of construction work, inspection and coordination.

A monitoring committee headed by high level army officer will submit a report of construction works to Prime Minister's Office and MoD every month.

The government had allocated Rs 10 billion for the project in the current FY. According to the source at MoD, the remaining unspent amount not spent so far will be given to the Nepal Army.  Satyendra Shakya, Chief of the Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track Project informed that Rs 7 billion has been released for the purpose till date.