Banking News – Construction of the Kakarbhitta–Laukahi section of the East-West Highway has gained significant momentum, supported by a Rs. 46 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Under the road upgrading project, blacktopping work is progressing rapidly on the eastern section of the highway.

Implemented through the Department of Roads’ Project Directorate, the 95-kilometer highway has been divided into five construction packages. The project consists of two major sections: the 45-kilometer eastern stretch from Kakarbhitta to Sitapuri in Jhapa, and the 50-kilometer western stretch from Sitapuri to Lobipur in Sunsari.

According to the latest project update, Package I (Kakarbhitta–Sitapuri) has achieved 47% physical progress, while Package II (Sitapuri–Gothgaun) has reached 42% completion. Package III (Gothgaun–Lobipur) has recorded 19% physical progress.

Sunil Babu Pant, Chief of the Kakarbhitta–Laukahi Road Project (Eastern Section), said that the first asphalt layer has already been completed on 16.5 kilometers of the eastern stretch.

He added that, weather permitting, construction teams aim to pave 400 to 800 meters of road each day, with the capacity to complete around seven kilometers of blacktopping per week.

According to Pant, contractors currently have an adequate stock of bitumen, and the project targets completing an additional 15 kilometers of asphalt paving before the Dashain festival. Although the monsoon season has caused some disruptions, construction work has continued without interruption.

Construction of the Kakarbhitta–Laukahi Highway Project began in mid-January 2024 (Magh 2080 BS) and is scheduled for completion by February 1, 2027 (Magh 18, 2083 BS).

The project is also constructing a three-meter-wide central divider, while widening the highway on both sides simultaneously to improve traffic capacity and road safety.