BUDUNE (MAKAWANPUR), Nov 9: Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar on Monday laid the foundation stone for the construction of the ambitious Kathmandu-Nijgadh fast track on Monday. Another Deputy Prime Minister, Sujata Koirala, Chief of Army Staff Chhatra Man Singh Gurung and six ministers were also present at the function.
Nepal Army has been entrusted to construct the 76.2km road that will cost over Rs 56 billion. The army is expected to open the track within three years.
The construction of the fast track that links Khokana of Lalitpur with Nijgadh of Bara is expected to significantly reduce the current 200km distance between the capital and the Tarai. The 14-meter wide four-lane road will have vehicles plying at an average speed of 80km/hr.
Addressing the function, Gachchhadar said the construction of the fast track will boost overall economic development in the country.
He said the fast track will also further strengthen Nepal´s ties with both China and India as it is an important stretche of the proposed trade transit route that links Syaphrubesi with Birgunj.
The fast track holds significance as this will link the proposed second international airport in Bara district.
CoAS Gurung said Nepal Army feels proud to start the project of national importance. He said the army will complete the work within the stipulated time if the government extended all necessary assistance.
The government has already sanctioned Rs 250 million for the construction of 76-km road. The government has also released Rs 10 million to the Directorate of Development and Military Engineering Service of the Nepal Army (NA), which is going to deploy a battalion of army personnel to undertake the project.
Earlier, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal was supposed to lay the foundation stone but he could not attend the function due to health reasons.
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The fast track holds significance as this will link the proposed second international airport in Bara district.
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