ADB gives four options for fast track route

ADB gives four options for fast track route
eKantipur.com, 2-Jun-2007

In order to develop a fast track route to connect the capital with the terai, Asian Development Bank (ADB) has put forward four options to Nepal.

Among these options, suggested by a consultancy team of the bank that visited Nepal recently, are Hetauda tunnel road, Bagmati corridor road, and a road using half section of Bagmati corridor.

“The preliminary estimated cost for fast track through Bagmati corridor is Rs 9.75 billion (US$ 150 million) and Rs 22.75 billion (US$ 350 million) for Hetauda tunnel road,” said Kamal Raj Pandey, joint secretary, at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Construction.

He said the best option will be selected by considering various aspects like environment, pollution, forests, and rivers. "We are currently working out to choose the best option," he said.

After the construction of the track, the travel time to Kathmandu from Hetauda is expected to shorten to two hours from the existing around seven hours.

A source at the Ministry said the ADB is ready to contribute around Rs 35 million for the fast-track route. "The rest will be arranged through other donors. Earlier, Japan extended technical assistance of Rs 55 million (US$ 0.85 million) in order to carry out feasibility study for the construction of the fast-track route.