Banepal, Jan 5: The reconstruction of damaged sections of the BP Highway, which suffered severe damage during floods and landslides, is estimated to cost approximately Rs 9.66 billion. This cost projection follows an assessment conducted after the disaster.
According to the Division Road Office in Bhaktapur, this budget will be used to rebuild various sections of the highway between Bhakunde and Nepalthok. Among the severely affected sections is the 12-kilometer stretch from Chowkidar in Namobuddha Municipality to Kaldhunga in Roshi Rural Municipality, where eight kilometers were completely destroyed.
Senior Divisional Engineer Suman Yogesh stated that the reconstruction will involve three types of retaining walls: RCC walls, plum walls, and gabion walls, based on the findings of the assessment. In certain areas, discussions are ongoing to decide whether to construct walls or build new bridges. Areas prone to river flooding are expected to require RCC walls, while plum and gabion walls may be suitable in other sections.
The reconstruction project is currently awaiting funding approval. Engineer Yogesh explained that the project will move toward tendering once financial resources are secured through government or donor funding. The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted an assessment of the damaged highway sections in mid-November, and discussions are ongoing regarding potential support.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had earlier discussed with the Japanese diplomats for the reconstruction of the road. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has proposed cooperation from JICA. Additionally, the ministry is considering utilizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority’s disaster management fund or concessional loans from donors such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank.
Engineer Yogesh said that the full reconstruction of the highway could take at least two years.
The BP Highway, which connects Dhulikhel-Sindhuli-Bardibas, serves as a key route linking Kathmandu to mid-hill and eastern Nepal. Despite being reopened for traffic two weeks after the disaster, risks of landslides have necessitated restrictions on nighttime traffic.
Constructed with Japanese grant assistance starting in FY 2053/54 (1996/97) and completed in 2072 (2015), the 160-kilometer BP Highway was formally handed over to Nepal by Japan. The construction cost at the time was approximately Rs 35 crore per kilometer. #highway #nepal
