JICA to Rebuild Only 3.2 km of Damaged BP Highway

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will support the reconstruction of only 3.2 kilometers of the 30-kilometer stretch of the BP Highway that was severely damaged by monsoon-triggered landslides and floods last year. The remaining 26.8 kilometers will be rebuilt under Nepal’s own management and resources.

The Japanese grant amounts to JPY 2.8 billion (approximately NPR 1.66 billion) and will cover the Pipley–Barshekhola section of the highway in Kavrepalanchok District, according to Suman Yogesh, Chief of the Bhaktapur Road Division under the Department of Roads. JICA will oversee the entire contract and construction process, although the exact timeline for execution is yet to be finalized. The design and survey work is currently underway.

The Government of Nepal has already secured Rs 8.5 billion through the Ministry of Finance for broader reconstruction efforts. This domestic funding is separate from the Japanese grant. In total, five contract packages have been prepared to cover the full 30-km reconstruction, with four of those being handled by Nepali authorities.

Among the ongoing efforts, the 2.3 km Dalabesi–Pipley section is currently under bid evaluation. Meanwhile, a contract worth Rs 1.14 billion has been awarded to the Lama/Nabakanthipur JV for the reconstruction of the 11 km Bhakundebesi–Charseybesi segment. Similarly, the Khani/Kamalajeet/Awan JV has secured a contract valued at Rs 1.22 billion to execute the works on the 8.5 km Charseybesi–Dalabesi stretch. The contract for the 5 km Barshikhola–Nepalthok section has also been awarded, although further details regarding this package have not been made public.

The Department of Roads aims to complete the full reconstruction work within two years, targeting completion by 2027. However, the specific timeline for the completion of JICA-funded components remains unclear.

The government’s detailed project report (DPR) estimates a total investment of Rs 9.66 billion for the entire reconstruction effort. The current project is based on updated designs prepared by the Bhaktapur Road Division.

The 160 km BP Highway is a critical route linking Kathmandu to the eastern Terai region. Originally built with an intermediate lane width of 6 meters, the highway has proven inadequate for modern traffic demands. Under the new DPR, the Bhakundebesi–Nepalthok segment will be widened to two full lanes (9 meters wide) to ease vehicular movement and enhance safety.