KATHMANDU: Construction on the eastern section (Narayangadh-Daunne) of the Narayangadh-Butwal Road Expansion Project has reached 81 percent completion. Of the 65-kilometer stretch, major works have been completed except for around 7 kilometers in the Daunne area.
According to Information Officer Shiva Khanal, road safety works have started in completed sections. Crews are currently carrying out lane markings, divider painting, installing cement barriers, roadside railings, W-beams, and delineator poles.
“The eastern section is in its final phase. Painting and safety works are progressing rapidly where blacktopping and major construction are already complete,” Khanal said.
Only around 7 kilometers of the eastern section still remains unpaved.
The 113-kilometer highway project was awarded to China State Construction Corporation Pvt. Ltd. in 2019 with an original completion target of 2022. After delays, the deadline has now been extended for the fourth time until August 16, 2026.
The project, financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has a total cost of Rs 16.99 billion.
Of the total stretch, 70 kilometers will have four lanes, 29 kilometers will include four lanes with service lanes on both sides, while the 14-kilometer Daunne section will be upgraded into a three-lane road.
Speed limits have been set at 80 km/h on straight sections, 60 km/h in market and crossing areas, and 40 km/h on the uphill Daunne stretch. Automatic cameras will also be installed at eight locations for safety and monitoring.
