Kathmandu flyover project delayed by land, airport proximity issues

Construction on a crucial flyover and underpass project along Kathmandu's congested Tinkune-Jadibuti section is stalled, with completion now unlikely for another 18 months to two years. Despite the government securing concessional financing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Koteshwar Intersection Improvement Project, significant procedural and technical obstacles remain.

The project, backed by a loan of approximately Rs32.76 billion, has hit snags related to overlapping land use. A portion of the project area falls on land owned by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and is situated within the operational zone of Tribhuvan International Airport. This necessitates heightened safety measures and extensive coordination.

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The JICA concessional loan has already been approved by the government. Since part of the work must be carried out beneath the premises of Tribhuvan International Airport, a high degree of caution will be required.

Officials are currently discussing project execution, including whether to purchase CAAN-owned land or pursue alternative arrangements. The acquisition of around 31 ropanis of CAAN land is required. Furthermore, construction activities must be carefully scheduled within limited time windows to avoid disrupting air operations, potentially extending the project timeline due to the sensitive location near the airport.

Arjun Prasad Aryal, chief of the Development Cooperation Implementation Division (DCID) at the Department of Roads, stated that discussions are ongoing to resolve these issues. Once a construction schedule is finalized, the government will proceed with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The planned infrastructure includes a 94-meter retaining wall, a 665-meter flyover, and a 600-meter enclosed underpass tunnel.

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Work will also need to be carried out during periods when aircraft are not operating, which could extend the project timeline. Since construction will take place in a highly sensitive area near the airport, safety and security considerations will be paramount.