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🇳🇵 Nepal /Economy & Trade

Cabinet delay stalls key expressway section in Khokana

From Kathmandu Post · (1d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Construction on a key section of Nepal's Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway is stalled due to the government's indecision on relocating the toll plaza.
  • The proposal to move the toll plaza to Pharsidol was previously considered but not decided upon, and is now being reviewed for resubmission to the Cabinet.
  • Local opposition and land acquisition disputes have persisted for years, hindering progress on this national pride project overseen by the Nepal Army.

The Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway, a project of immense national importance, faces yet another hurdle due to bureaucratic indecision. While the Nepal Army, tasked with its execution, has a revised Detailed Project Report ready, the government's delay in approving the relocation of the toll plaza in the Khokana section leaves a critical stretch in limbo. This isn't just about a few kilometers of road; it's about the nation's ambition to connect its capital with the southern plains, a project that promises to boost economic activity and national integration.

The issue of the toll plaza's location has been a persistent thorn in the project's side, fueled by land acquisition disputes and local resistance. While the current government is reviewing the proposal, the history of such projects in Nepal teaches us that bureaucratic inertia can be a formidable obstacle. The fact that the project is progressing in other sections highlights the urgency and the potential, but the stalled Khokana segment serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that plague even our most vital infrastructure developments.

The proposal was not decided upon when it was first submitted. After the formation of a new government, undecided proposals are returned to the concerned ministries. We are now reviewing the matter before resubmitting it.

— Kedar Nath SharmaSecretary at the Ministry of Defence, explaining the administrative process behind the delayed decision.

From a Nepali perspective, this expressway is more than just a transportation link; it's a symbol of our development aspirations. The delays, while frustrating, underscore the complex interplay of local concerns, national planning, and administrative efficiency that we grapple with. International media might focus on the technical delays, but for us, it's about the tangible impact on our daily lives and the broader economic landscape. We hope the Cabinet will make a swift decision, allowing the Nepal Army to move forward and realize the full potential of this 'national pride project.'

There would be no technical obstacles to starting work once the Cabinet approves the amendment.

— Brigadier General Rajaram BasnetSpokesperson for the Nepal Army, assuring that the project can proceed quickly once the government gives the go-ahead.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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