Budget shortfall threatens Araniko Highway expansion
Summary
Budget constraints are slowing the widening of the 15.8 km Araniko Highway stretch between Suryabinayak and Dhulikhel, with progress hindered by insufficient funding despite government assurances of additional support.
Key Points
- The Araniko Highway section between Suryabinayak and Dhulikhel is under expansion but facing delays due to budget shortfalls.
- The government allocated Rs600 million for road construction and Rs100 million for bridges, but more funds are needed to complete the project.
- Progress on the Suryabinayak–Sanga stretch is 48% with a deadline extended to March 2027; the Sanga–Dhulikhel section is 65% complete with a deadline extended to December 2026.
- Bridge construction along the road has started only on the Mahadev Khola bridge, with two others pending redesign and construction start.
