Ring Road’s Chappal Karkhana-Dhobikhola section set for widening

Nepal's government is pushing forward with a segment of the long-delayed Kathmandu Ring Road widening project, calling for bids to expand a one-kilometer stretch from Chappal Karkhana to the Dhobikhola bridge. The estimated cost for this phase is approximately Rs510 million, with Subodh Kumar Devkota, chief of the Road Division Office, Kathmandu, indicating that construction could commence before the Dashain festival, contingent on timely contract awards.

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The tender was called on July 16, with the deadline set for August 6. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs510 million.

The upgraded section will feature an eight-lane configuration, including service lanes. The selected contractor will have 18 months to complete the work from the agreement date. The widening extends to within 200 meters of the Dhobikhola bridge, towards Sukedhara. Devkota explained this extension is necessary due to the planned construction of a new bridge over the Dhobikhola, which requires a new approach road. A study is ongoing for the bridge, with plans to award its contract within the current fiscal year.

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construction could begin before Dashain if the contract is awarded on schedule.

Despite this progress, the 27-kilometer Ring Road widening project as a whole remains far from finished. Only 11.09 kilometers have been completed, leaving 15.91 kilometers uncertain. Work on a 600-meter section between Basundhara and Narayan Gopal Chowk is stalled by legal challenges involving the demolition of properties. China, which previously discussed widening the Kalanki to Narayan Gopal Chowk section, withdrew due to similar building clearance issues and is now proceeding only with the Kalanki to Basundhara culvert segment.

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A study is underway to build a new bridge over the Dhobikhola. We are preparing to award the contract within the current fiscal year.

Meanwhile, Nepal has independently completed a 700-meter section from Narayan Gopal Chowk to Chappal Karkhana, upgrading it to an eight-lane road with service lanes. A separate study, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is examining the Chabahil-Pingalasthan section to determine the best solution, potentially a flyover or tunnel. Additionally, funds are allocated for a study on an underpass from Basundhara to Bhatbhateni, reflecting the growing traffic pressure on the Ring Road.

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JICA has been studying this section for the past six months. The final report will show whether a flyover or tunnel would be suitable.