Progress and Challenges in East-West Highway Expansion Across Nepal

Key Points

• The East-West Highway in Nepal is undergoing expansion from two lanes to six lanes in urban areas and four lanes in less congested areas.
• The project is supported by loan and grant assistance from development partners like the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank under the SASEC program.
• Significant progress has been made in sections such as Kakarbhitta-Laukahi and Kanchanpur-Kamala, with paved roads, bridges, and wildlife underpasses constructed.
• Challenges include contractor cash flow issues, delays in relocating electric poles, cutting trees, and coordination problems with local levels.