KATHMANDU: Along with national security, the Nepal Army has been active in development work, especially in road construction across difficult terrain.
The government has continued assigning the Army to build road sections that the Department of Roads has not been able to complete due to challenging geography.
So far, the Army has opened more than 1,400 km of track across 32 tough and high-risk road sections. At present, it is responsible for five road projects, including three national pride projects.
The ongoing projects include the Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Fast Track, Karnali Corridor, Koshi Corridor, Darchula–Tinkar Road, and Benighat–Arughat–Larke Bhanjyang Road.
These roads are strategically and economically important. Once completed, they are expected to boost connectivity and support national economic growth. However, most projects are moving slower than expected.
Below is the latest progress update on four roads, excluding the Fast Track.
- Darchula–Tinkar Road
The Army is responsible for opening the 79 km Tulsarpani–Tinkar section under the Mahakali Corridor. So far, 18.02 km of track has been opened.
As of the end of last fiscal year, 17.05 km of new track had been completed. This fiscal year, the Army has added 190 meters of upgraded track and 520 meters of new track. The project was handed over to the Army in February 10, 2021.
Steep cliffs and hard rock formations have made this section extremely difficult. Limited budget has also slowed progress. The Army says it works according to the available budget, but the pace would improve with adequate funding.
This fiscal year, the project has received Rs 244.7 million. The Army must complete track opening by fiscal year 2031/32.
The 425 km Mahakali Corridor will connect four Sudurpaschim districts — Kanchanpur, Dadeldhura, Baitadi, and Darchula. The road is expected to ease Nepal’s trade with India and China and also support pilgrims traveling to Kailash–Manasarovar.
- Karnali Corridor (Lalibagar–Dullikuna and Ghatparichaur–Badrigaun–Bhukkakhola Sections)
The 269 km national pride project connects Kalikot to Simikot and then to the Hilsa border point with China. Of this, the Army is responsible for 22.5 km.
Vehicles already reach Simikot via a basic track, but the road is narrow and risky for large vehicles. The Army is now widening, grading, and upgrading the assigned sections.
Out of 22.05 km under Army responsibility, 16.06 km of track has been opened. This fiscal year, 140 meters of track were upgraded and another 60 meters opened.
The Army has completed track opening on the entire 11 km Lalibagar–Dullikuna section of Humla. On the 11.5 km Ghatparichaur–Badri Gaun–Bhukkakhola section, 5.06 km has been opened, with 6.44 km remaining.
For this fiscal year, the project received Rs 102.5 million. The Army must complete track opening and upgrading by fiscal year 2025/26.
The Karnali Corridor forms part of a tri-national trade route linking Nepal, India, and China. The full road from Jamunaha (Banke) to Hilsa spans 505 km.
This fiscal year, Rs 1.2476 billion has been allocated for corridor improvement. Of this, Rs 454.1 million is for the Hilsa–Simikot section and Rs 793.5 million for the Khulalu–Salisalla section.
- Benighat–Arughat–Larke Bhanjyang Road
The Army is tasked with opening 92 km of the difficult 154 km road from Benighat (Dhading) to Larke Pass (Gorkha). So far, 40.28 km of track has been opened. This fiscal year, 50 meters were upgraded and 280 meters of new track were added.
The project is targeted for completion in fiscal year 2029/30, meaning the Army must open the remaining 55.72 km within four years.
Budget shortages have slowed the project. This fiscal year, it received Rs 129.7 million.
Under this project, the Army has already opened the 18 km Hawadanda–Dovan section and handed it over to the Department of Roads.
- Khandbari–Kimathanka Road
The Army is also working on a national pride project under the North–South Koshi Corridor, specifically the 10.51 km Chyamtang–Ghongghappa section. The full Khandbari–Kimathanka road is 158.5 km long. The Army received this section in February 6, 2021.
Track opening has been completed, but widening work is ongoing. As of mid-October, 4.31 km of upgrading has been completed. An additional 1 km was upgraded this fiscal year.
The remaining 6.2 km must be completed by mid-April 2026. This road is the shortest route linking India and China through eastern Nepal. The section from Jogbani (Indian border) to Khandbari is already paved and operational. The corridor is expected to ease tri-national trade once completed.
This fiscal year, the project received Rs 610.5 million. These four North–South roads are key to Nepal’s long-term connectivity goals. While progress continues, most sections still face delays due to difficult terrain and limited funding. The Army says timely budget allocation will help accelerate the remaining work.
