The Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway, one of Nepal’s national pride projects, has achieved 38 percent physical progress and 39 percent financial progress. The project is being managed by the Nepali Army (NA).

Of the seven planned tunnels, two have been completed, while construction is underway on two others. The expressway spans a total of 70.97 kilometers. The Nepali Army shared the progress update during a press conference held on Sunday to mark the army’s 262nd anniversary.

Project Chief Kamal Bikram Shah stated that the design and preparatory work for the remaining three tunnels has begun. He acknowledged that the project has not progressed as expected due to various challenges but emphasized that efforts are being made to meet the completion target.

A key obstacle remains at Khokana, the starting point of the expressway on the Kathmandu side, where land acquisition issues are yet to be resolved.

Once completed, the expressway will be the fastest route between Kathmandu and the Tarai region, significantly reducing transportation time and costs.

Shah mentioned that the NA aims to complete the project by the end of 2083 BS.

Meanwhile, the construction of the Defense University has achieved 30.42 percent physical progress and 25.75 percent financial progress, the army officials added. -- RSS