KATHMANDU: The upgrade of the East–West (Mahendra) Highway is progressing steadily. Two major sections; Narayangadh–Butwal and Kanchanpur–Kamala, have now crossed the two-thirds completion mark. Together, these projects cost Rs 33.5 billion.
The 1,024 km national highway from Jhapa to Kanchanpur is being expanded to Asian Highway standards. Urban stretches will have six lanes, while other areas will have four lanes. So far, 496 km across five sections have been contracted.
The Department of Roads plans to contract the remaining sections of the East–West Highway gradually. With over two-thirds of work finished in these two major packages, the government aims to complete both sections within the current fiscal year.
74% work completed on Narayangadh–Butwal section
The 114 km Narayangadh–Butwal section has recorded 74% physical progress. It is the first stretch contracted under the upgrade plan. The project is divided into a 65 km eastern segment and a 48.5 km western segment. China State Construction Engineering Corporation is building the road at a cost of Rs 16.99 billion.
The eastern section has completed 120 km of two-lane blacktopping out of 130 km. Four-lane blacktop has reached 47 km. Only 4 km in the Daunne area and 2 km near bridge ends remain. Out of 34 bridges, 32 are complete and operational. All 211 culverts have been built. Officials say slope cutting and blacktopping in Daunne are moving quickly.
The western section has completed 72 km of two-lane blacktopping out of 97 km. Four-lane blacktop has reached 31.5 km. Ten kilometers in Daunne are still under construction. Out of 256 culverts, 244 are complete.
All 9 major bridges are operational, and 35 of 38 small bridges are finished. The project began in January 2019 with a 42-month deadline. After four extensions, the new deadline is 25 August 2026. Officials expect the work to finish before that.
66% work completed on Kanchanpur–Kamala section
The 86.83 km Kanchanpur–Kamala road has reached 66% progress. The project costs Rs 15.66 billion, including VAT and PIS. China Railway-2 Engineering Group is handling both sections. The road will have six lanes in urban areas and four lanes elsewhere.
The eastern section has 64% physical progress. Two-lane blacktopping has reached 40 km out of 74 km. Another 15 km is ready for blacktopping with base and subbase layers completed. Out of 29 bridges, 28 are complete. All 113 culverts have been built. Two overpasses in Rupani are now at the ramp-construction stage.
The western section has recorded 68% physical progress. Four-lane blacktopping has reached 32 km. Most market areas have already been paved. Subbase work in the remaining areas is almost complete.
All 25 bridges are finished and 13 are already in use. Out of 115 culverts, 112 are complete. Six overpasses are under construction, four in Lahan, one in Golbazar, and one in Mirchaiya. The Golbazar design is being revised based on local demands. An animal crossing is also under construction in Bandipur.
Site clearance remains a key challenge. Several houses, electric poles, and transformers still need to be removed. The second deadline extension expires on 31 December 2025.
