KATHMANDU: The long-delayed expansion of the Narayangadh–Butwal section under the East–West Highway has finally gained pace, with significant progress seen in recent months.
According to the Narayangadh–Butwal Road Project Office, overall physical progress has reached 73.5 percent. Out of the total 113.5 km, around 104 km has been blacktopped and sloped, while only about 10 km in the Daunne area remains under construction.
The project is divided into two sections, Narayangadh–Daunne (65 km) and Daunne–Butwal (48.5 km), both being constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation at a total cost of Rs 16.99 billion. The contractor is also responsible for maintaining the road for five years after completion.
Four-lane blacktopping completed over 78 km
So far, 68 percent of the total road or (78.5 km) has been blacktopped in four lanes. Of this, 47 km falls in the eastern section and 31.5 km in the western section. Officials said that blacktopping is progressing rapidly in the remaining areas, particularly around Daunne.
Eastern section achievement 74% completion
Shiva Khanal, Information Officer for the eastern section, said the physical progress has reached 74 percent. Out of 130 km of two-lane equivalent blacktop work, 120 km has been completed, including 47 km in four lanes.
“Only about 2 km in the Daunne stretch remains to be sloped and blacktopped,” Khanal told MeroAuto. “Out of the 4 km Daunne section, 1.1 km of slope work is completed, and the remaining works are ongoing.”
Out of 34 bridges in this section, 32 are already operational, while the Chormara and Arunkhola bridges are under final stages of construction. All 211 culverts have been completed.
Western section reaches 73% completion
In the 48.5 km western section, 73 percent of the work has been completed. Information Officer Bikash Khanal said that out of 97 km of two-lane equivalent blacktopping, 72 km has been finished 35.2 km on the right and 37.05 km on the left.
Blacktopping in four lanes has been completed in 31.5 km of this section. “Except for the Daunne area, vehicles can now travel smoothly on the blacktopped road,” he said. “Slope and drainage work in the remaining section is ongoing.”
Out of 256 culverts, 244 have been completed, while 12 are under construction. Similarly, all 9 major bridges and 35 out of 38 small bridges have been completed.
Targeted for completion within this fiscal year
Despite facing repeated delays and three previous deadline extensions, project officials now expect the work to be completed within the current fiscal year.
“In the past, the contractor halted work during the rainy season, but this year, work has continued without interruption,” said Information Officer Khanal. “If progress continues at this pace, we can complete it ahead of schedule.”
The contractor has committed to finishing all remaining work, including the Daunne section, within the next six months.
Fourth extension of deadline
The project began on March 19, 2019, with an initial completion target of August 7, 2022. However, due to delays, the government has extended the deadline four times, with the latest extension set until July 23, 2026.
Officials say the extensions were necessary because the project is being built with foreign loan assistance, and replacing the foreign contractor would require lengthy procedures.
Once completed, the four-lane Narayangadh–Butwal stretch is expected to significantly improve travel safety and reduce congestion along one of Nepal’s busiest highway corridors.
