Reconstruction of Roads Damaged by Floods and Landslides to Cost Rs 12 Billion: Minister Ghising

The government has estimated that it will need around Rs 12.38 billion to rebuild roads damaged by floods and landslides that occurred from October 3 to 5.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport estimates that reconstructing major highways, alternative roads, Bailey bridges, and permanent bridges affected by this year’s monsoon-induced disasters will cost Rs 10.68 billion. The ministry has also allocated Rs 1.70 billion to rebuild structures damaged by last year’s disasters.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Physical Infrastructure and Transport; and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, said the government has prioritized reopening roads blocked by floods and landslides. He said the authorities have already mobilized necessary equipment and manpower to restore traffic flow as quickly as possible, while he and the ministry are conducting regular monitoring of the reconstruction works.

The Mechi Highway suffered the most damage this year, and the government expects to spend Rs 1.5 billion on its reconstruction. Similarly, the reconstruction of the Koshi Corridor, Mid-Hill Highway, Postal Highway, Araniko Highway, Kantipath, and Narayanghat–Mugling road, among others, is projected to cost about Rs 3.77 billion.

The ministry also plans to spend Rs 4.52 billion to rebuild 17 permanent bridges damaged by the disasters, Rs 800 million to install new Bailey bridges, and Rs 1.59 billion to restore alternative routes.